Kwon Hyeok-Kyu / 권혁규

Crilly · Jul 27, 2023

Daizen said: ↑

New Celtic signing Kwon lifts lid on military training, Zadok The Priest in car and Rodri comparison
As Celtic prepare to defend their domestic treble, new recruit Kwon Hyeok-kyu has a different kind of understanding of what battling it out for silverware out may mean.

As is customary in South Korea, there is a year-and-a-half national service requirement for men to complete once they reach the age of 18. Kwon has come through the other side of that and admitted that if has given him a different appreciation of the life he has as a footballer, it has also given him a different kind of mentality.

“We would all wake up early and go for a jog,” he said. “In the mornings we would do normal soldier training, army training, and in the afternoon we prepared for our matches and trained as a soccer player. In late evening I would do my own personal work-outs. You can think of it easily as a football player in the army. At first it was difficult to adapt to that life but I got used to it. I think because of it I can bring a soldier mentality on the pitch which is definitely helpful.”

The military training did not interfere with the 22-year-old’s ambitions of making a name for himself in European football. Indeed, car journeys to training at his former club Busan IPark were spent listening to Handel’s Zadok The Priest, a score that causes as much excitement at Celtic Park as it did for the young midfielder who adopted a philosophy of positive prophecy. And his vision is not limited to simply making an appearance in Europe’s premier competition.

"When I was playing at my former club I always had the Champions League song playing in my car,” he smiled. “When you repeat it, I think it then becomes true. I have my chance now to play in the Champions League and I want to become a legendary player here. This positive attitude is what I will take to training every day. I always dreamed of playing at a European club and I just want to do my best on the pitch.”

Kwon watched last season’s game against Real Madrid at Celtic Park, an encounter he was appreciative of despite the adversity of the result for what was then Ange Postecoglou’s side. He also spoke of his admiration for fellow countryman and former Celt Ki Sung-yueng but he is more focused on establishing his own name in Glasgow. There were some lofty comparisons made with his style of play to that of Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri, something he was smart enough to distance himself from. "I am very happy to hear these compliments but I know that I still have a long way to go to become a player like Rodri,” he said. “I think I can improve a lot at Celtic and one day I want to become not Celtic Rodri but Celtic Kwon.”

Whatever he does in the games against Rangers will go a significant way to establishing the status that he is held in by the green side of the city. Although one suspects that he has not quite grasped the full significance of these meetings just yet. I am aware it is a long history and a traditional derby between the teams,” he said. “For me, it is a normal league match and I want to focus on each game. I think that is what brings good results.”
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I * love his attitude, let’s hope he matches it on the pitch

Mr Cleansheets · Jul 28, 2023

Never seen him play but he's already one of my favourites.

Don't let me down Kwon.

Skelleto · Jul 28, 2023

He sure does not lack in confidence. Hope he backs it up.

PaddyJamieson · Jul 28, 2023

Daizen said: ↑

New Celtic signing Kwon lifts lid on military training, Zadok The Priest in car and Rodri comparison
As Celtic prepare to defend their domestic treble, new recruit Kwon Hyeok-kyu has a different kind of understanding of what battling it out for silverware out may mean.

As is customary in South Korea, there is a year-and-a-half national service requirement for men to complete once they reach the age of 18. Kwon has come through the other side of that and admitted that if has given him a different appreciation of the life he has as a footballer, it has also given him a different kind of mentality.

“We would all wake up early and go for a jog,” he said. “In the mornings we would do normal soldier training, army training, and in the afternoon we prepared for our matches and trained as a soccer player. In late evening I would do my own personal work-outs. You can think of it easily as a football player in the army. At first it was difficult to adapt to that life but I got used to it. I think because of it I can bring a soldier mentality on the pitch which is definitely helpful.”

The military training did not interfere with the 22-year-old’s ambitions of making a name for himself in European football. Indeed, car journeys to training at his former club Busan IPark were spent listening to Handel’s Zadok The Priest, a score that causes as much excitement at Celtic Park as it did for the young midfielder who adopted a philosophy of positive prophecy. And his vision is not limited to simply making an appearance in Europe’s premier competition.

"When I was playing at my former club I always had the Champions League song playing in my car,” he smiled. “When you repeat it, I think it then becomes true. I have my chance now to play in the Champions League and I want to become a legendary player here. This positive attitude is what I will take to training every day. I always dreamed of playing at a European club and I just want to do my best on the pitch.”

Kwon watched last season’s game against Real Madrid at Celtic Park, an encounter he was appreciative of despite the adversity of the result for what was then Ange Postecoglou’s side. He also spoke of his admiration for fellow countryman and former Celt Ki Sung-yueng but he is more focused on establishing his own name in Glasgow. There were some lofty comparisons made with his style of play to that of Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri, something he was smart enough to distance himself from. "I am very happy to hear these compliments but I know that I still have a long way to go to become a player like Rodri,” he said. “I think I can improve a lot at Celtic and one day I want to become not Celtic Rodri but Celtic Kwon.”

Whatever he does in the games against Rangers will go a significant way to establishing the status that he is held in by the green side of the city. Although one suspects that he has not quite grasped the full significance of these meetings just yet. I am aware it is a long history and a traditional derby between the teams,” he said. “For me, it is a normal league match and I want to focus on each game. I think that is what brings good results.”
Click to expand...

Class. Love his attitude. I don't have big expectations of him here if I'm being honest, so I hope he surprises me.

straighttalker · Jul 28, 2023

Korean players (possibly with their military training) tend to be front footed and aggressive, can see that in Oh. Think this guy will be the same, won't shirk a tackle thats for sure.

Pearse67* · Jul 28, 2023

Hope he cuts that tiktok tranny in 2!!!!

Peej · Jul 29, 2023

Opens his interview on Celtic TV in English with "I'm ready to fight in paradise"

Big man * love it!!
Cheap cringey as *, but I * love it

Sent from my M2012K11AG using Tapatalk

honda · Jul 29, 2023

Looked big and strong. Think he'll improve us once up to speed.

thailandceltic · Jul 29, 2023

Hunskelper

DEADEYECFC · Jul 29, 2023

Tough as nails

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HTG · Jul 29, 2023

He looked good, is a lot faster than I was expecting him to be.

Can still he's still adjusting to the system at times, but that's a nitpick more than a complaint, think he'll play a big part this season.

Sgt Neppers* · Jul 29, 2023

Looks very composed. Assured in his own belief and abilities. Can't wait to see him in a couple months time.

Double Dutch · Jul 29, 2023

Was buzzing to see Yang but this boy was excellent, think he'll be a great addition.

CookieMonster · Jul 29, 2023

Big man looks good, exactly what we were missing in the middle of the pitch last season.

FrankMcCallum · Jul 29, 2023

Aye I liked the look of him.

Comfortable on the ball and looks to be taking no *.

Waiting For An Alibi · Jul 29, 2023

Huns plastic hardman will think twice, before stealing water bottles.

MagicBallBhoy · Jul 29, 2023

4123 with this big monster killing opposition attacks with McGregor and hatate just ahead and maeda kyogo and abada upfront

The Prof · Jul 29, 2023

Thought he looked very assured.

Zander · Jul 29, 2023

He looked decent. Not going to go overboard though

The Crow · Jul 29, 2023

Big J-Kwon a tank

Kwon Hyeok-Kyu / 권혁규

Crilly Hakuhna matata

Mr Cleansheets

Skelleto

PaddyJamieson

straighttalker

Pearse67*

Peej Gold Member Gold Member

honda Gold Member Gold Member

thailandceltic From Immigration to Domination

DEADEYECFC

HTG "I have an uncle who does Yoga"

Sgt Neppers*

Double Dutch

CookieMonster Geez yer cookies Gold Member

FrankMcCallum

Waiting For An Alibi

MagicBallBhoy Gold Member Gold Member

The Prof Administrator Administrator

Zander

The Crow Gold Member Gold Member