2024-07-15 06:23:19
Coach Hong Myung-bo, who took over the reins of the national team after many twists and turns, asked for support for himself and the national team.
Coach Hong Myung-bo will board a flight to Spain through Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 15th and begin his duties as head coach of the national team in earnest by meeting with European coaches in Spain and Portugal.
Before leaving the country, Coach Hong met with reporters and said, “Usually, I would start work after the inauguration press conference, but due to lack of time, I will first go on a business trip to Europe. I ask for your understanding.” He then said, “The purpose of this business trip is to appoint a foreign coach. It is necessary to meet the coaching candidates in person, hear their philosophies and visions, and make an assessment.”
He continued, “The core of modern football is division of labor. It is my job to specialize coaches and draw out their expertise. Therefore, it is important to directly observe and judge foreign coaches.” He added, “It is important to not simply appoint foreign coaches, but to utilize them. Many foreign coaches have worked in Korea, but they have not been efficient. I will organize the team so that foreign coaches can play their roles.”
According to the Korea Football Association, coach Hong Myung-bo plans to appoint foreign coaches as field coaches and physical coaches to share tactical aspects.
Coach Hong said, “I was the first to request the appointment of a foreign coach when signing the contract, and the association accepted it. If the association had not accepted it, I would not have accepted the position of national team coach,” and explained his trip by saying, “I obtained information on coaches through various routes. After that, I selected candidates who would be helpful to Korean soccer, and made an appointment for a meeting during my trip to Europe.”
Starting with the European business trip, Hong Myung-bo’s management is officially set sail, but it is faltering from the start. There is a lot of noise during the process of appointing Hong Myung-bo as manager, and the atmosphere is not very welcoming.
Coach Hong Myung-bo, who is well aware of this, said, “I am just focusing on how to make the national team better. I understand the concerns of those around me, but I hope you will cheer for my last challenge,” and asked for support from fans.
Coach Hong Myung-bo, who has finally started work after many twists and turns, plans to focus on establishing a national team culture along with selecting the coaching staff.
Coach Hong said, “We are also considering appointing a domestic coach. We are discussing and narrowing down candidates while discussing with the association,” and added, “We will first appoint a foreign coach, but I think it is not too late to appoint a domestic coach. We are continuing to consider it.”
He continued, “The national team is not given much time. We cannot change everything about the game (performance) from start to finish, but we can quickly change things outside the game.” He added, “We need to create a culture that is unique to Korea. This is not about discipline. The priority is to create an atmosphere where the players can enjoy themselves and work together.”
Coach Hong Myung-bo also plans to hold meetings with players in Europe, taking into account their schedules.
Coach Hong said, “Since the players are currently in the preseason, we need to adjust their schedules. Meetings with the players are flexible,” and added, “I have a business trip to Europe scheduled for about a week, but if I meet the players, my stay in Europe may be extended.”
In addition, Coach Hong Myung-bo also expressed his position on the harsh criticism from his juniors, including Park Ji-sung, Lee Young-pyo, Park Joo-ho, and Lee Dong-gook, after his appointment.
Coach Hong showed an inclusive attitude, saying, “I respect their opinions. For Korean soccer, an atmosphere must be created where everyone can express their opinions. It is important to collect these opinions and move forward. I will also reflect their opinions well and apply them to the national team.”
Reporter Kim Won-geun Photo News 1
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2024-07-15 06:23:19