Lee Young-pyo attacks results-first K-League

Lee Young-pyo of Vancouver Whitecaps FC speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap

Former Korea international Lee Young-pyo criticized the K-League Thursday for its rankings-are-everything attitude.

“I read a newspaper article saying 10 out of 16 K-League managers were sacked this year for their poor performances. This exemplifies what a mistaken notion the teams have,” the 35-year-old said at a press conference in Seoul to announce his career extension at Vancouver Whitecaps FC in North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS).

“What is more important to the league is luring more sponsorship deals and TV rights on the back of growing spectators, which makes everyone in the football circle happy.

“However, the K-League teams just focus on winning. With this approach, the K-League cannot develop.”

Lee played for Anyang LG Cheetahs, a forerunner of FC Seoul, between 2000 and 2002.

“In Europe, managers are fired for poor results but the main reason for their dismissal has to do with improving earnings based on their achievements, not just losing matches.”

According to Lee, teams advancing to the Champions League, Europa League or those who don’t qualify for the competitions have different profit structures.

“But in Korea, bosses are just axed for poor performances. The league is mistakenly focused.”

He said the K-League should pay more attention to fans rather than results.

“Fans do not visit stadiums without a cause. In MLS, teams are trying to give causes to fans coming to watch matches in terms of luring them but nothing happens in the K-League,” said Lee, who has played in the Netherlands, England, Germany, Saudi Arabia and North America.

“The Japanese, U.S., European, South American and even Middle East leagues have attracted large audiences to the stands but why can’t the Korean league do so? It’s not Koreans do not like football, but we need to think about the issue.

“Those who have the final say and try to produce tangible results during their tenure need to change their mindset in order to develop the K-League.”

Meanwhile, Lee postponed his retirement until after the 2013 season.

The Korean defender joined the Canadian outfit last year and contributed to the two-year-old team reaching the playoffs for the first time.

“I still have good physical strength and received a good offer from the club,” said Lee, who played the full 90 minutes in 33 of 34 matches this past season with one goal and four assists. He sat out the other tie due to a decision by manager Martin Rennie.

According to the veteran defender, the team has said he will not have to travel to away matches on the east coast to try and preserve his fitness levels.

Lee, who wants be a football administrator after ending his playing career, said the Whitecaps have offered him the opportunity to learn about administration, finance, marketing and operations at the club after next season. <The Korea Times/Kang Seung-woo>