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K리그1・2의 최신 소식을 모두 확인 할 수 있는 공간입니다.

"K League's U22 rule has been a great help to me": Goh Young-jun Interview

league 2022.05.31   I   조회수 2339

After bursting onto the scene in 2020, Goh Young-jun went on to become a regular fixture in the Pohang Steelers first team last season. The same can be said this year, too, as the attacking midfielder has already made more starts than he did in 2021. His form has been enough to impress Korea U23 manager Hwang Sun-hong who selected Goh as part of his AFC U-23 Asian Cup squad. Speaking to KLeague.com, Goh says that the experience of playing in the AFC Champions League last year will help him in this year's AFC U-23 Asian Cup. 

How would you assess the start to the season, both for Pohang and for you? 

It's been a good start, good results and some good performances to the point where the manager and the players can raise the target for the season. Heading into May, we drew a few games then lost two in a row. There have been some unfortunate results but, nevertheless, I don't think it's been too bad. But it's not enough to achieve our goals. We need to rest well during the break and prepare for the rest of the season. For me personally, I've scored two goals but, to be truthful, I've missed a few chances too. I need to be more focused when chances come.

Did you know that you currently sit in the top six in terms of shooting accuracy in K League 1? Is that something you have worked on a lot after training?

I didn't know that. More than working on individual things, we as a team do a lot of shooting training and to be honest, I wasn't able to score that many. But every time I shoot, the manager gives me detailed feedback. I also watch the more senior players in the squad and see what I can learn from them.

Even at 20 years old you have already made over 50 K League appearances. How do you think the U22 rule in K League has helped your development? 

The U22 rule has been a great help to me. Especially last year, starting games was really beneficial. Because of that, I gained a lot of experience and, personally, I improved a lot. And also, because of that experience, this season I think I have become a lot more competitive. I'll still be a U22 player next year but I don't want that as being the sole reason why I play. I need to harness that competitiveness. I don't want to hear anyone say that I'm not playing because I'm no longer U22.

How are you feeling ahead of the U23 Asian Cup?

Going away with the national team is always great and something that's an honour. I'll try my best to do the things that I do and play my own game. There are a lot of good players in the squad and so I'm sure I'll be able to learn a lot.

Hwang Sun-hong won the K League title and two FA Cups with Pohang, what’s it like to work with him? Does he talk about his Pohang days much with you?

When Hwang Sun-hong was at Pohang Steelers I was with the U12 team (Pohang Jecheol Elementary School). I went to a lot of Pohang games and this was when my dream began to grow.  It's an honour to be able to play for the national team for a manager like him. But, to be honest, we haven't had much time to talk.

How will last season’s run to the AFC Champions League Final with Pohang help you in Uzbekistan? 

The ACL was a really great experience. Unfamiliar surroundings, weather and the unbelievable attendances were a really great experience for me. I think it will me adjust to things in Uzbekistan.

Korea have been drawn into Group C and take on Malaysia on June 2nd, Vietnam on June 5th, and Thailand on June 8th.

K LEAGUE