On the 16th, Jeonbuk revealed that they had agreed to terminate Kim Do-heon’s contract by mutual agreement.
After the resignation of head coach Dan Petrescu in May, Jeonbuk Hyundai appointed Kim Do-heon, known for his intelligent leadership and tactical focus, with the aim of rejuvenating the team and establishing a new operational system.
Although Coach Kim faced challenges early in his tenure, he introduced positive changes by revamping the team and signing players aligned with his philosophy during the summer transfer window, completing a six-match streak without defeat. However, the team ultimately failed, finishing 10th in the league and failing to avoid the relegation playoffs.
In the relegation playoffs, Jeonbuk achieved victories in both matches, successfully retaining their place in K League 1. Despite this, the overall performance and results throughout the season disappointed many fans.
The club recognized Coach Kim’s potential in tactical development and coaching direction, but noted deficiencies in leadership and effective roster utilization.
Ultimately, the club stressed that bolder changes and decisive actions were needed to regain its position at the top of the K League and Asian football and restore its reputation.
Coach Kim expressed his feelings by saying, “Coaching Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors has been the most valuable experience of my career. I am deeply grateful to the players who trusted and followed me. To the fans , I send my sincere apologies with a heavy heart, knowing that I could not live up to your expectations, from now on, I will support Jeonbuk as a fan.”
At the same time, Jeonbuk announced its intention to quickly and fairly appoint an ideal candidate from a group of highly qualified coaches with strong leadership and exceptional tactical and strategic skills to lead the team’s reconstruction and resurgence. Additionally, the club plans to accelerate changes to its coaching staff and playing roster.