2024-03-24 18:06:31
The interim coach of the national soccer team, Hwang Seon-hong, who is starting with the task of reviving the poor performance under coach Jurgen Klinsmann, boldly selected the ‘hot Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain)’.
On the 11th, Coach Hwang announced the 23 players for the national team that will play in the two-game international match against Thailand (21st and 26th) in March at the Soccer Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Lee Kang-in, who attracted the most attention, was also included in the list. Lee Kang-in caused a huge controversy by clashing with Son Heung-min (Tottenham) the day before the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup semifinal match against Jordan.
Although his skills were clearly outstanding, he could easily create another controversy, so it was a difficult issue where he had to choose between his skills and public opinion, but Director Hwang chose to ‘attack head on’.
Captain Son Heung-min was also selected, and we got to see Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in continue to work together following the Asian Cup.
Director Hwang said, “The decision to select Lee Kang-in was entirely mine. If we do not call Lee Kang-in, the immediate crisis can be overcome. However, it is not a problem that can be solved if we do not call him this time.” He added, “This conflict is an element that becomes stronger depending on how quickly it is resolved. He expressed the view that “the best way to solve what happened on the playground is to convene and resolve it on the playground.”
Next, Lee Kang-in’s side also said, “We communicated directly with the two players, Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in wants to make a sincere apology to his fans and colleagues.”
In addition, most of the existing core members, including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Hwang In-beom (Zvezda), and Lee Jae-seong (Mainz), were also included. Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) was excluded due to a hamstring injury.
New faces also stand out. Joo Min-gyu (Ulsan), who has maintained his pride as a ‘local goal scorer’ on the domestic stage by winning the K-League 1 top scorer last season, wore the Taegeuk symbol for the first time.
This is Ju Min-gyu’s first selection to the national team, including the age group national team. Gwangju FC’s Jeong Ho-yeon and Ulsan HD’s Myung-jae Lee were also called up to the A national team for the first time.
Regarding Ju Min-gyu, Coach Hwang said, “Scoring ability is another area in soccer,” and “There is no player who has scored 50 goals in the K-League over three years. There is no need for another explanation,” and briefly and boldly explained the background to his selection.
In addition, players who were not selected for the Asian Cup, such as Kim Moon-hwan of Al Duhail (Qatar), Baek Seung-ho of Birmingham City (England), and Sharjah (UAE) Cho Yu-min, were also named.
On the other hand, some players who were mentioned as candidates, such as Suwon FC’s Lee Seung-woo, were not selected. Coach Hwang said, “The national team door is always open not only to Lee Seung-woo but also to players who play in the K-League. I hope you do not give up or be disappointed just because you were not selected this time.” reported.
Meanwhile, Hwang Seon-hong will be convened on the 18th and then prepare for the 3rd match of Group C of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asia Region 2nd qualifying round against Thailand at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 21st.
In addition to resolving the ‘Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min’ situation, Coach Hwang is faced with the task of resolving the attack-defense imbalance problem seen in the last Asian Cup held under coach Jurgen Klinsmann and reviving the poor performance.
Regarding this, Coach Hwang said, “Because the time is short, we cannot prepare everything and play the game. However, we will focus on maintaining a good balance.” He added, “The players will play with the heart of atonement to the people. I will also play with the players. “I feel the same way,” he said.
Reporter Kim Won-geun Photo News 1
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2024-03-24 18:06:31