'Battling Pancreatic Cancer' Incheon Coach Yoo Sang-chul Resigns... To Remain as Honorary Coach

Coach Yoo Sang-chul celebrating Incheon's retention in the 1st division league [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seong-yeol] Yoo Sang-chul, the head coach of Incheon United who has been battling pancreatic cancer, has voluntarily resigned.

Incheon United stated in a press release on the 2nd, "Coach Yoo Sang-chul, who has been fighting pancreatic cancer, expressed his intention to resign to the club on the 28th of last month," and added, "After careful consideration, we have decided to respect Coach Yoo's decision and conclude our journey together."

Incheon had planned to continue working with Coach Yoo in 2020 as well, but it is known that he expressed his intention to resign out of concern that his illness might negatively affect the club.

Accordingly, CEO Jeon Dae-soo and Director of Team Strengthening Lee Cheon-soo, among the club's top management, decided to pay Coach Yoo the remaining salary for 2020 in full and appointed him as honorary coach.

Coach Yoo was appointed as Incheon's ninth head coach in May of last year. Despite being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in October of the same year, Coach Yoo stayed at the stadium, citing his promise to the club and fans.

Under Coach Yoo's leadership, Incheon recorded 7 wins, 13 draws, and 18 losses, earning 34 points and successfully remaining in the first division by finishing in 10th place.

Coach Yoo conveyed his final farewell to Incheon fans through the club, saying, "Although it was a short time, I gained many truly happy memories in Incheon. I will definitely recover fully and greet you again in good health."

Meanwhile, Incheon has begun searching for a new head coach. The upcoming training camp in Bangkok, Thailand, starting on the 7th, will be led by senior coach Lim Jung-yong.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.