News: Incheon United Appoint Yoon Jong-hwan as Head Coach

Incheon United has chosen Yoon Jong-hwan (51), the recipient of the "2024 Manager of the Year" award, to lead the team starting in the 2025 season.

The club announced on the 22nd that Yoon, who guided Gangwon FC to a runner-up finish in 2024 and earned the prestigious "Manager of the Year" award, will serve as the 13th head coach in the team’s history.

A star during his playing days, Yoon Jong-hwan began his managerial career in 2011 with J.League club Sagan Tosu. He went on to manage Ulsan HD in 2015, Cerezo Osaka in Japan in 2017, Muangthong United in Thailand in 2019, and JEF United in Japan in 2020 before taking over Gangwon FC midway through the 2023 season, guiding the club to safety before a hugely successful first full season in charge.

Yoon’s game philosophy centres on space, positioning, and adaptability. Known as a tactician adept at employing flexible strategies to respond to modern football’s dynamic scenarios, he is also recognized for his aggressive defensive play based on high pressing, which has earned praise from fans.

Yoon officially accepted the Incheon managerial position after discussions with the club’s CEO, Shim Chan-gu, on the 22nd. “I am committed to achieving promotion to the top tier with Incheon, a club with passionate citizens and fans. Incheon has limitless potential. I will motivate the players and implement a competitive game model to deliver winning performances,” Yoon shared regarding his appointment.

Meanwhile, the Yoon Jong-hwan era will officially begin on the 26th of December when the team convenes for training. To further prepare for the season, the squad will depart for winter training in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on January 2nd.