"I will try to become the top scorer in K League 1 with more than 10 goals." Lee Hojae's ambition is back
"I will try to become the top scorer in K League 1 with more than 10 goals." Lee Hojae's ambition is back
Blog Article
Lee Ho-jae replaced Giorgi right before the opening of the second half of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League phase in the seventh game between the Pohang Steelers and the Kawasaki Frontale at Stillyard in Pohang on Feb. 11. It was the first time that Lee Ho-jae played in an official match since the match against Hyundai in North Jeolla Province on Aug. 17, 2024.
Lee Ho-jae injured his ligament in his left ankle and was put on the operating table. After finishing the last season early, Lee focused on rehabilitation for a long time.
After the game against Kawasaki on Sunday, Lee continued preparations for the opening match of the K-League 1 in the 2025 season, which will take place at Stillyard on Sunday. We heard from Lee Ho-jae, who is mentioned as the K-League 1 scorer this season, after recovering from his injury.
Q. It's been six months since I started my official game.
After getting hurt, many things happened. There were times when our team was struggling and times when we were happy. The more I watched the game, the more I felt that I wanted to come back as soon as possible. It is regrettable that I failed to lead my team to victory in the return match. I am also sorry to the fans who came to the stadium in cold weather. The positive thing is that I finished the return match without getting hurt. I will prepare to show better performance in the opening match of the K League 1 this season.
Q. I was injured at the peak of my physical condition.
That was the hardest part. When I was in good shape, I got hurt and couldn't be of any help to my team. My older brothers and my fans were of great help when I was having such a hard time. "I'm rooting for you. Please come back soon," he said on social network service. Thanks to so many people's support, I was able to concentrate on rehabilitation.
Q. Opponents are likely to have strong checks this season.
Soccer is not an individual sport. It is a team sport. You will be able to create more opportunities by making good use of your teammates. I try to make it as simple as possible. If you give a ball to a teammate and lose it, you can create more space and opportunities. We have many good players in our team, including (Kim) Jong-woo and (Hong) Yoon-sang. I think the more we work together, the better we will get.
Q. When did you miss soccer the most.
It is the final round of the Korea Cup last year. I watched the final match on the spot. I really wanted to play. I think they beat Ulsan HD after extra time. I envy them that they are having a hard time. That is, they can have a hard time running on the ground. I want to continue to play with my teammates this season without getting injured. It is hard together, and I want to laugh together.
Q. Did your father, Lee Ki-hyung, give you any advice on Lee Ho-jae's rehabilitation period.
My father said, "I was hurt a lot when I was a player. One thing I regret is that I got hurt again while trying to return quickly." My father said, "Don't be in a hurry, take steps step by step and come back healthy."
Q. Last season's K-League 1 scoring champion Stefan Mugosa and second-ranked Iryulchenko will play in the K-League 2 this season. Lee Ho-jae is considered one of the candidates for the top scorer in the K-League 1 in the 2025 season.
If you don't have greed, you would be lying. Although you didn't play the entire last season, you increased your attack points quite a bit. I think it's a position to compete for the top scorer. However, the team is more important than the individual. The first priority is to play the play that coach Park Tae-ha wants on the ground. I believe that if you do your best every moment for the team, good results will follow. 메이저놀이터
Q. How many goals do you aim to score this season.
He must score double-digit goals. He scored eight goals in the 2023 season and nine in the 2024 season. Since his debut as a pro, he has never scored double-digit goals. His goal is to surpass double-digit goals and become the top scorer in the K-League 1.