When Ulsan Hyundai FC lifted their second AFC Champions League trophy in 2022, few would have expected the South Korean powerhouse to find themselves in such a precarious position just two years later. But after suffering three consecutive defeats to start their 2024-25 campaign, alarm bells are ringing loud and clear.
A Humbling Homecoming
The latest setback came on Wednesday evening, as Ulsan fell 2-0 to Japan’s Vissel Kobe at the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium. It was a match that started brightly for the hosts, but quickly unraveled in the second half.
Taisei Miyashiro opened the scoring for Vissel just three minutes after the restart, capitalizing on Ulsan’s insistence on playing out from the back. The Japanese striker would go on to seal the result with a second goal in the 73rd minute.
We need to have more respect. I don’t quite have the words… this was very shameful.
Kim Pan-Gon, Ulsan HD Head Coach
Kim Demands Respect
In his post-match press conference, a visibly frustrated Kim Pan-Gon wasted no time in apologizing to the Ulsan faithful. “We don’t deserve (anything from the game),” he lamented. “Ulsan have already won the ACL twice (and) the K-League four times — Ulsan represents Korea.”
But more than just an apology, Kim had a strong message for his players. “Maybe we were overly proud, even against a strong team. A Japanese team,” he said. “We have to improve our attitude.”
The 53-year-old coach stressed the importance of respect — for the fans, for the opposition, and even for their own teammates. “Even if we don’t qualify for the round of 16, it’s not about that,” Kim emphasized. “It’s about having respect.”
Domestic Duties Beckon
Despite their continental woes, Ulsan remain on course for a third straight K-League 1 title. They have also reached the final of the Korea Cup, with Kim acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.
(Winning) the K-League is very important. We have to recover to compete for the championship and get the title.
Kim Pan-Gon, Ulsan HD Head Coach
“We also have the Korea Cup final. It is a very challenging schedule but such circumstances give us the opportunity to find positive solutions,” he added.
The Road Ahead
Ulsan’s next AFC Champions League test comes in the form of an away trip to Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim — a side that Kim knows well from his time as the head coach of the Malaysian national team.
With five group stage matches remaining, Kim believes his side needs “four victories to get us over the line for this year.” But more than just results, the experienced tactician is focused on rectifying the underlying issues.
Tactically, there is more to fix as there were many mistakes today. We have to do our best to fix this in the future.
Kim Pan-Gon, Ulsan HD Head Coach
And when asked one last time what his players needed to turn things around, Kim’s answer was simple yet powerful: “Respect.“
As the two-time Asian champions look to salvage their continental campaign, it is clear that Kim Pan-Gon sees respect as the foundation upon which Ulsan must rebuild. Whether this message resonates with his players remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the road ahead will demand every ounce of respect, resilience, and quality that this Ulsan side can muster.
