FC Seoul’s Lingard makes debut in 2-0 loss to Gwangju FC

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard made his FC Seoul debut in a 2-0 loss to Gwangju FC, picking up a late yellow card in the process. FC Seoul struggled early on, conceding a goal to Lee Hee-gyun in the 20th minute due to Gwangju’s quick transitions. Lingard entered the game in the 76th minute as a right winger but had limited impact with only one shot off target. Gwangju’s strong defense stifled Lingard’s attempts to create scoring opportunities, leaving him frustrated. The match ended with Lingard receiving a yellow card for a tough tackle and FC Seoul conceding another goal.

FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong acknowledged Lingard’s need to adapt and improve, as he hasn’t played since his departure from Nottingham Forest in 2023. Lingard’s move to FC Seoul on a two-year deal with a third-year option came as a surprise, following his tenure at Manchester United and a brief stint at Forest. The 31-year-old midfielder will need time to regain his form and mesh with his new teammates under Kim’s guidance.

With Kim’s successful track record at Pohang Steelers, FC Seoul hopes for a turnaround after a trophy-less spell since their last league title in 2016. After finishing seventh last season, they aim to climb the ranks with Lingard’s support. Their upcoming match against Incheon United on March 10 at Seoul World Cup Stadium presents an opportunity for redemption on home turf.

Despite the disappointing debut, Lingard’s potential impact on FC Seoul’s future remains high if he can rediscover his best form. The midfielder’s experience in top-flight English football could prove vital in revitalizing FC Seoul’s fortunes and ending their trophy drought. As Lingard adjusts to his new surroundings and builds chemistry with his teammates, fans eagerly await his resurgence on the pitch.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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