Jun Amano embroiled in bizarre war of words with former head coach

Japanese midfielder Jun Amano’s recent move from Ulsan Hyundai to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K League resulted in an unusual outburst from his former coach.

Jun Amano poses next to the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors logo after joining the club on loan on Jan. 5. [YONHAP]

Japanese midfielder Jun Amano’s recent move from Ulsan Hyundai to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the K League resulted in an unusual outburst from his former coach.

Amano moved to Jeonbuk in an entirely legal move after spending a successful season with reigning K League champions Ulsan, but the move did not go down well with Ulsan head coach Hong Myung-bo.

Hong called Amano out in a press conference at Ulsan Hyundai Sport Club House on Jan. 11, accusing Amano of abandoning Ulsan in favor of making a quick buck at cash-rich Jeonbuk.

Hong Myung-bo talks to reporters at Ulsan Hyundai Sport Club House in Ulsan on Jan. 11. [YONHAP]

In reality, the 31-year-old midfielder never actually played for Ulsan or Jeonbuk. Amano remains on the books at J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos, from whom he was loaned to Ulsan in January 2022. While on loan with the K League club, Amano scored nine goals in 30 appearances.

He also showed his class by scoring a goal against Tottenham Hotspur when the London club came to Korea for a friendly match against an All-Star squad dubbed K League United on July 13, 2022.

With his year in Ulsan now up, Yokohama switched Amano's loan to Jeonbuk, where he will now play the 2023 season. Typically, players have little to no say over where they're loaned to, although it is feasible that the Japanese club may have allowed Amano to steer the decision.

Hong certainly seems to think so.

“Amano wanted to stay in Ulsan, and he told me that money does not matter to him,” Hong told reporters. “He is the worst Japanese player I have met.”

He further condemned Amano, saying that he left Ulsan with “nothing but lies.”

Amano refuted the attack in a separate press conference held at Jeonbuk Hyundai Club House on Jan. 12, saying that he didn't move because he wanted a bigger salary and Ulsan did not offer him a contract extension despite it being on the table last summer.

As he was on loan, a decision to extend his contract would not have been entirely Amano's choice anyway.

Hong, however, has not backed down, holding yet another press conference on the issue at the Lotte City Hotel Ulsan on Jan. 16.

“There is an issue surrounding our club, but my thoughts about it are still the same as before,” Hong said.

He also refuted claims that he personally insulted Amano, arguing that calling Amano the "worst Japanese player I have ever met" was not personal.

The Japanese player has not made a further comment on Hong’s remark or his motive behind the move.

Amid the conflict with his former head coach, Amano is now set to play his first game for Jeonbuk when the K League season starts on Feb. 25. Ironically, his first game will be on the road in Ulsan.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]