"My new season's goal is to win two gold medals in Ulsan." Um Won-sang's resolution to return from injury
"My new season's goal is to win two gold medals in Ulsan." Um Won-sang's resolution to return from injury
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"The biggest goal is to lead the team to two wins."
Um Won-sang (26, Ulsan HD), who returned from injury, expressed his determination to lead his team to double (two gold medals) in the new season. Having left the battle line in the second half of last season, he had to watch his team fail to win the FA Cup, and this year, he is determined to help him win two or more trophies, including the FA Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE), as well as four consecutive K-League championships.
"Last year, there were some things that I couldn't help my team," Um told this newspaper at Incheon International Airport before departing for Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on Sunday. "I watched the FA Cup final (loss of 1-3 against Pohang Steelers) on TV, and it was so sad," he said. "I want to win more than two gold medals this year, whether it be the K-League, FA Cup, or ACLE."
Um has not been able to play since September because of surgery and rehabilitation after leaving the team due to a sports hernia in the second half of last year. Um still feels sorry for his teammates because he had to watch them play without being of help to his team.
"Last year, I had a long injury," Um said. "I could hardly run in the second half of the year and watched the game only on TV at home, which was a shame. I felt very sorry to my brothers because I wanted to play in the game, but unfortunately I couldn't, and I felt very sorry to my teammates," he said. "I hope there will be no injuries this year."
Fortunately, he has fully recovered from the injury that plagued Um last year. "As much as I have continued rehabilitation, I have no problem running," Um said. "Many fans were worried about my injury, but fortunately, my surgery went well and I worked hard on my rehabilitation, so I don't think there will be any problem with this injury in the future," he said. "I need to prepare to finish the season well without any other injuries."
When Um Won-sang returns from injury, Ulsan's side attack becomes even scarier. Um Won-sang left Gwangju FC to Ulsan in 2022 and scored 12 goals and 6 assists in the K League 1 in his first year, leading his team to win. Coincidentally, the Ulsan dynasty was established with Ulsan's three consecutive K League 1 losses from the first season of Um Won-sang's transfer.
In addition, Heo Yul and Lee Hee Kyun joined the team one after another this year. "I've known each other since elementary school, and I'm looking forward to working with (Lee) Hee Kyun since high school. I think it will be very helpful because we know what each other is good at," Um said.
This year, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be held, and the national team will continue its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Korea and the U.S. Um can be motivated by Ulsan's double challenge.
"I have high expectations for the Club World Cup. It is an exceptional competition where many players cannot participate even if they want to, so it is an honor to be able to participate in such a competition," Um said. "I am looking forward to it because there are many good teams. A national team is the dream of every player. It is also my greatest honor. However, if I do well in the team of Umbrella Ulsan, I have an opportunity to become a member of the national team. I will do my best in the team and think about becoming a member of the national team next."
In order to shake off the disappointment of last season and achieve the goal, it is important how well they perform winter training in the end. Um Won-sang, who suffered from injury last year and still feels sorry for not being helpful to the team, has a strong will ahead of winter training.
Um Won-sang said, 스포츠토토 "We are heading out of the country with the intention of preparing hard for the season," adding, "If many fans cheer us on so that we can finish the season well without injury, we will prepare hard to meet the fans' expectations so that we can bring better results."