After losing 3-1 to Manchester City, K League All-Star coach Jung Kyung-ho was interviewed by Korean media.

How did it feel to manage in a tournament after such a long time?

After coaching again after so long, I rediscovered the mindset of our coaching staff preparing for matches. It was an experience that allowed me to reconnect with my original purpose.

How did you feel after actually playing against Manchester City?

They are an exceptionally strong team. I had watched their matches in Europe before, but facing them directly gave me a much deeper understanding. Despite many World Cup participants being absent, their football style and tactical framework remained crystal clear. Elite players operate like well-oiled gears, which made me understand why they are a top European team.

What impressed you most about Manchester City's pressing?

They emphasize overall team cohesion, and their pressing is highly organized. Even when their defense drops to the midfield and defensive lines, all players collectively maintain their shape. They are remarkably patient when defending, and collectively press forward when attacking. I believe this is something the K League needs to study more closely.

Did the match provide tactical inspiration?

It certainly did. At the same time, I wondered whether the K League could play football as beautifully. Seeing Kim Dae-won handle the ball well and score the equalizing goal showed me what's possible. It's remarkable to score against a world-class goalkeeper. Gu Sung-yun also made some brilliant saves.

Did the heat affect tactical execution?

It definitely had an impact. Like the weather in Gangwon Province, the high temperature introduced variables in areas like pressing intensity, which had to be managed efficiently. As a head coach in the league, it also made me realize the need to prepare more alternative solutions.

How can a friendly match like this benefit K League players and coaches?

Including Lee Dong-gyeong, many players said after the match that the Premier League is always this intense. After competing directly, everyone truly felt the significant gap, and I felt it too.

It's not just a gap in individual ability. I also experienced the Premier League's high level of development and the systematic nature of overall team preparation, which made me re-examine my own limitations as a coach. I'm acutely aware that I still have much to learn. Even with tactical ideas in my head, I need to continue learning how to implement them in a team.

What if Gangwon played against Manchester City?

I discussed this with the players. I imagined whether, if Gangwon were at their best, they could better withstand Manchester City's pressing and style of play. I also wondered what it would be like if we actually had a chance to face them.

This time, I spent two days and one night with players from various K League clubs. Though brief, it was an extraordinary experience.

What did you discuss with head coach Jung Jung-yong after the match?

We talked about how much better it would have been with a longer preparation period. The team was assembled by taking two players from each K League club mid-season. We regretted that with more time to prepare and build a more complete squad, the result might have been different.

As a coach, what did you gain from this match?

Having the chance to shake hands and speak with coach Enzo Maresca was invaluable in itself, and I learned a lot. I also wished I could have shaken hands with Phil Foden, which is something I slightly regret.

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