Interview with Do Dong-Hyun: I practiced that free-kick 10-20 times a day before the derby
The first Kolkata Derby of the 2015 season was a very one-sided affair, with East Bengal running riot, scoring four goals with no reply from their noisy neighbours Mohun Bagan. The Red and Gold Brigade’s number 10, Do Dong-Hyun proved to be the difference with two crucial free-kicks in the first half. Having already scored 12 goals in the Calcutta Football League (CFL), the South Korean has made a prolific start to his East Bengal tenure.
Dong’s first tryst with Indian football wasn’t as fruitful. The 21-year old was a part of Rickie Herbert’s North East United side that finished bottom of the Indian Super League (ISL) table. However, under the watchful eyes of new East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya, the winger has come into his own and seems to be playing with unmatched confidence.
The former South Korean Under-20 International already has a hat-trick to his name, after putting on a scintillating performance against BNR. East Bengal scored six goals in that game. Having contributed to more than 50 % of the club’s goals this season, Dong has been the most pivotal player in the East Bengal camp so far.
He sat down with Sportskeeda to discuss his journey so far in an exclusive interview.
How has the East Bengal experience been so far?
Honestly, I was a bit shocked when I moved to Kolkata. The weather is something I’m not used to back in South Korea. Even when I was playing for NorthEast United, it wasn’t this humid. I haven’t even installed an air conditioner in my house to get used to the humidity.
Also, the first game itself was very difficult and ground quality was poor. So, I was quite nervous when it all started off. But, now I think I’m have the correct amount of confidence, thanks to the supporters and local guys for making me feel welcome here.
Coming from a football crazy country such as South Korea, how was the Kolkata derby?
Before the game started, I was extremely nervous because I had never played in front 80,000 people. But once it started, I realised I wasn’t nervous at all, in fact, I enjoyed playing in front of so many people, who were cheering me on every time I touched the ball.
When I first came to Kolkata, I had no idea about the rivalry. But, every time I met someone related to the club, all they said was you have to score against Mohun Bagan, that’s when I realised how big a game this was. So, once I started training I had only one thing on my mind: the Kolkata Derby.
How would you compare both the ISL and CFL experiences?
I thought since the CFL is a local league, it will be much easier compared to the ISL. But, I was wrong because the players here are as good as the ones in the ISL. Of course, the foreign players to matter, but since the Kolkata clubs are together for so long they create a sort of cohesion between themselves. The only difference that comes up between the leagues is the fact that the ISL allow more foreign players.
Your free-kicks have been the highlight of your game so far in India, do you have a specific training regime for it?
I wouldn’t say a regime, but yes I do practice free-kicks like I practice every other aspect of my game. My plan is simple, after my regular training is over, I take 10-20 free kicks from similar positions to the one that I got in the Derby. I was confident of scoring them because I had practiced it every day before the big game. Practice makes perfect and if I didn’t practice, I would go onto miss them, I’m sure.
Any particular player you idolise?
Yes, the one and only, Lionel Messi, I think he is the best player to ever touch a football. He is an all-round player and has god-given talent, I idolise him.
How would you compare the training styles of Biswajit Bhattacharya and Rickie Herbert?
Both of them are really good personalities, as coaches they are also very similar. The believe in giving the player freedom to express himself, but also know when to curb it, when he is taking advantage of it. So overall they have very similar styles.
You represented South Korea at various age levels, what did you garner from those experiences?
Basically, I learned how to adapt. Whether the team believes in a long ball style or free passing style, I have to adapt to the need of the team. It is also at this time that I realised my strongest points to penetrate defensive lines.
The game was not just physical, it was also mental, things like taking a shot early to intimidate the defence is something I learned and groomed, during the time. I have a lot to learn, but I would like to build my game around these lines.
How did the India move happen?
I was a part of IMG back home, so IMG contacted me and I didn’t think twice about coming to India. I just wanted to play football and thought that I would get regular football here. Then the ISL happened, after that I was still training regularly. Alvito then contacted my agent asking about my availability and considering the club’s rich heritage and tradition, I didn’t think twice, considering the tradition and history of the club.
Now that you have already captured the CFL, what next?
From this day onwards, my goal is to win the I-league and also become the top scorer in the league. I am going to give my 100 % to achieve that goal. I know the league will much different compared to CFL as it will have teams from around India, but definitely we are not willing to settle for anything apart from winning.
There is also a holistic goal of playing AFC next year as I really want to play in a continental competition, I hope I can do justice of what the club and fans expect of me.