2025 Season Recap: Daegu FC

After securing their place in the 2024 season through a playoff victory, there was optimism for a turnaround in Daegu FC’s fortunes in 2025. However, a catastrophic start to the season left them with too much ground to cover, and despite a commendable late-season surge, it proved insufficient. The season ended with the Sky Blues relegating to K League 2 after spending nine successive seasons in the top division.

Positive Highlights

Following a dismal start to the season that led to manager Park Chang-hyun’s early exit, his replacement Kim Byung-soo initially struggled to change the team’s direction. However, a late-season rally saw Daegu lose just one of their final 12 games, rekindling hopes among supporters for a swift return to K League 1.

A significant highlight was the performance of club icon Cesinha, who, despite being 36, showcased remarkable form, ending the season with 12 goals and 12 assists. He was also honored with Player of the Month awards for both September and October. If he opts to stay another year, he will remain a pivotal figure for Daegu.

In a season where Daegu managed only seven league victories, there were few bright spots. Recruitment during the winter transfer window left much to be desired, with new signings failing to make an impactful contribution. Brazilian midfielder Bruno Lamas returned from Busan IPark amidst considerable fanfare, but after a strong start, he spent significant time on the bench without making much of an impression. Striker Park Dae-hoon netted only three goals after joining from Chungnam Asan, while left-back Jeong Woo-jae found himself dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons after just 16 appearances.

Despite an encouraging start, with two wins and a draw from their first three matches, Daegu fell into a rut, suffering six consecutive defeats. This ultimately led to Park Chang-hyun’s resignation and Kim Byung-soo’s appointment after a prolonged recruitment process.

Off the pitch, Daegu FC faced substantial challenges. Supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with the club’s leadership through protests, focusing on poor recruitment strategies, managerial changes, and communication issues with fans.

By the season’s end, Korean football legend Cho Kwang-rae stepped down as CEO under mounting fan pressure, with several players publicly expressing their sorrow over his departure, including Cesinha, who urged him to reconsider.

However, the discontent continued, with fans orchestrating protests post-season, even placing funeral wreaths outside Daegu City Hall, demanding more comprehensive changes within the administrative structure, including a merit-based CEO selection capable of leading the club effectively.

On December 23, a new general manager, former Pohang Steelers leader Jang Young-bok, was appointed, but this decision did little to placate fans due to Jang’s controversial past.

The rise of Han Tae-hee as Daegu’s primary goalkeeper was another positive note amidst the struggles on the field. The 21-year-old made his debut early in the season and established himself as the first-choice keeper, a position that has been problematic for Daegu in recent years.

The young keeper commands his area effectively, showing exceptional ability in dealing with high balls—a remarkable feat for his age. He concluded the season with a call-up to the South Korea under-23 team, highlighting his impressive individual contributions despite the team’s overall difficulties.

Team MVP

With limited players stepping up, it was once again veteran star Cesinha who stood out as the team’s MVP, finishing as the leading scorer and playmaker while collecting multiple man-of-the-match accolades, including two Player of the Month honors from K League.

Daegu’s dynamics are evidently different without him, and had he not missed two months due to injury, there’s a strong belief the team could have evaded relegation.

A noteworthy acknowledgment goes to Brazilian defender Caio, who was a formidable presence on defense and a threat during set pieces. His contributions prevented a potentially worse scenario for Daegu, and he is likely to attract interest from higher-placed clubs during the offseason.

Biggest Disappointment

There were high hopes for winter signing Park Dae-hoon, who came from Chungnam Asan fresh off scoring twice against Daegu in the 2024 playoff. Unfortunately, he struggled significantly, taking 11 matches to find the net for the first time—a well-taken goal in the cup against Anyang in May. His next goal wouldn’t come until late August, when he netted twice in a 3-1 victory over Suwon FC.

This would be his last crucial contribution, finishing the season with just three goals and no assists. For next season in K League 2, fans will be expecting a much higher output from him as the club seeks a reliable scorer to lessen the burden on Cesinha.

Crucial Off-Season Decisions

Several areas of the squad require strengthening, and some players may need to be released. Currently, the club has two senior goalkeepers, Oh Seung-hoon and Choi Young-eun, neither of whom appeared on the bench during the latter part of the season. Their departure might free up some wage budget.

Additionally, mid-season acquisition Carlos Jatoba is also a candidate for release, as he barely featured after an initial few weeks and even played for the club’s K4 ‘B’ team. Freeing up that squad space is essential if he is not seen as a contributor moving forward.

The central midfield area also lacked consistency, with no reliable partnership established. Although recent signing Han Kook-young joined from Jeonbuk, there are concerns about the 35-year-old’s ability to endure a full season, which may necessitate further reinforcements. Left-back is another position that requires attention, and a reliable, experienced player should be prioritized.

In terms of contract renewals, veteran striker Edgar has committed for another year, a wise decision given his experience and leadership as the club aims to make a swift return. Retaining Cesinha is also critical, and despite concerns over his age and salary, his affection for the club suggests he is unlikely to leave.

Lastly, off-the-field unrest persists. With Jang Young-bok now in position, he faces a challenging agenda that includes implementing structural changes and managing every facet of the playing squad. Decisions about the future of head coach Kim Byung-soo—who is expected to stay—along with negotiations regarding the coaching staff, will ultimately rest in his hands during this undoubtedly challenging off-season for the club.