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After moving to South Korea to find his feet, former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is finding that football in Seoul is as demanding as life in England

Jesse Lingard, the former Manchester United star, faced scathing criticism from FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong after his lackluster performance in the K-League, just three matches into his stint with the South Korean club.

Struggles in Early Season

FC Seoul secured their first victory of the new season with a win over Jeju, thanks to goals from Stanislav Iljutcenko and Sung-Yueng Ki. However, Lingard’s contributions were called into question as he struggled to make an impact on the pitch.

The team’s previous two matches had resulted in a draw and a loss, with Lingard failing to score a goal in either fixture, leaving the team’s early season prospects looking grim.

Manager’s Criticism

Manager Kim Gi-dong was particularly critical of Lingard’s performance as a substitute against Jeju. He remarked, “Even though he came on as a substitute, he didn’t work hard and avoided tussle. The name value has no meaning on the pitch. I will tell him this exactly.” Gi-dong’s comments highlight Lingard’s perceived lack of effort and commitment during his time on the field, regardless of his reputation as a former Premier League player.

Despite Lingard’s struggles, he will be eager to secure a starting position for FC Seoul as he continues to adapt to his new surroundings. Lingard’s move to Asia in February marked a new chapter in his career, following a period of uncertainty after leaving Nottingham Forest.

Lingard hoping to revive career in Korea

Lingard’s absence from competitive football since April and his lack of game time prior to joining FC Seoul have raised concerns about his form and fitness. However, Lingard remains determined to find happiness and success in his career, and he will be hoping to make a positive impact for FC Seoul in the upcoming matches.

Jesse Lingard’s early struggles at FC Seoul have drawn criticism from manager Kim Gi-dong, who emphasized the importance of effort and commitment on the pitch over reputation. Lingard faces the challenge of adapting to a new league and environment as he aims to secure a starting role and rediscover his form. With determination and hard work, Lingard will be looking to turn his fortunes around and make a meaningful contribution to FC Seoul’s success in the K-League.