Asian football expert @JohnnyDuerden lays out the challenges ahead for Suwon Samsung Bluewings’ new acquisition from Sydney FC, Matt Jurman.
Sydney FC fans who are still coming to terms with the sudden departure of centre-back Matt Jurman can at least console themselves with the fact that he has a big part to play at his new club in Korea Republic.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings have been champions of Asia twice, have won the K-League on no less than four occasions since the club came into existence in 1995 and have historically been the best-supported club in the country – though attendances have fallen of late.
Suwon fans call the city “the capital of Korean football”. This is partly to annoy supporters of bitter rivals of FC Seoul and partly a reflection of the passion that the city has for the team.
For the Bluewings, pre-season started on Monday as players and staff gathered at the team’s clubhouse in the city, just to the south of the capital Seoul.
On Friday, they will fly to Spain for four-week training camp to get ready for the March kick-off. No doubt Jurman will be checking his phone for updates on the Sydney Derby as he makes himself at home this weekend.
