Daegu FC have officially appointed Kim Byung-soo as their new manager, announcing the 54-year-old tactician as the club’s 15th head coach on Tuesday. The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the K League 1 side, who are in desperate need of stability and vision amid a turbulent season.

A genius midfielder turned master tactician

Nicknamed the "Byung-soo Ball" pioneer by Korean football fans, Kim was once hailed as a prodigious midfield talent known for his technical flair and creative passing. His playing career included spells at Cheil Bank, Cosmo Oil FC, and Japan’s Oita Trinita, though persistent injuries forced him into early retirement — a premature end to what many believed could have been a glittering football career.

Yet his true footballing legacy began off the pitch. After launching his coaching career in 1998, Kim truly made his name between 2008 and 2016 as manager of Yeungnam University, where he dominated the collegiate scene and gained a reputation for developing young talent with a clear identity in possession-based football.

Pep-esque in philosophy, proven in Korea

His managerial style — built on fluid passing, structured movement, and proactive attacking football — earned comparisons to Pep Guardiola. That reputation blossomed during his tenure at Gangwon FC, where from 2018 to 2021 he led the side with a refreshing brand of football rarely seen in the K League.

Under Kim, Gangwon produced some of the league’s most aesthetically pleasing football. His approach, dubbed “Byung-soo Ball,” focused on controlled build-up, aggressive pressing, and positional rotations. The team became neutral fans’ favourites and he was widely credited for elevating the tactical discourse within Korean football.

Although brief, his 2023 stint at Suwon Samsung Bluewings was another testament to his ability to take on crisis-hit clubs with a composed and cerebral approach.

The perfect fit for Daegu?

With Daegu currently facing a rough patch both on and off the pitch, Kim’s return to the dugout is seen as a bold but fitting move. The club, recognising his K League pedigree and leadership qualities, stated:

“We sought a leader with top-flight experience, a defined football philosophy, and strong leadership — Coach Kim checks all the boxes. We are confident his tactical ideas and structured squad management will restore balance and identity to our team.”

The new boss observed Tuesday’s clash against Jeonbuk Hyundai from the stands and is set to meet the squad on Thursday. His managerial debut will come on June 1, when Daegu host Gwangju FC at the DGB Daegu Bank Park in K League 1 Round 17.

As Korean football eyes a renaissance in club identity and development, Kim Byung-soo — the man once likened to Guardiola — is back on the main stage. And Daegu’s faithful will be hoping “Byung-soo Ball” can be their salvation.