The Klinsmann lifts anchor and departs.
The Korean national soccer team, led by new coach Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), will play a friendly match against Colombia at Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium on the 24th.
This is Klinsmann’s debut match, who took over the helm from Paulo Bento (Portugal).
At a press conference held at the Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium on the 23rd, head coach Klinsman, a day before their debut match, said of the national team’s strikers, “I’m quite positive. He said, “I thought he was at a high level.”
He also said of Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), who played a key role in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, as “a player who shows a fairly high level of football” and said, “I will watch all the Mallorca games. He added that if he shows good form, he will increase his playing time with the national team.”
Son Heung-min (Tottenham) continues to wear the captain’s armband of the Korean national team, where many of the key players who reached the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup were selected.
Klinsmanho, with most of the key players in the Qatar World Cup, will have a difficult debut match against Colombia, which is ranked 17th in the FIFA rankings.
Coach Klinsman said he would focus on identifying the strengths of the players rather than the tactical aspect in this game.
“Rather than the tactical part or the part of ‘I will play some football against Colombia’, my role is to make the most of the strengths of the players who joined this time,” he said. “It is difficult to say that the formation or tactical preparation was prepared. I am also learning a lot during the recruitment period. I’m trying to figure out the strengths of the players. I want to see the best of it,” he said.
Son Heung-min, who captained the Korean national soccer team in Klinsman following Bento, pledged to lead by example.
Son Heung-min said, “The realistic goal for the World Cup was to advance to the round of 16, and I think we had a successful World Cup. However, since the World Cup was held in winter, the players were busy returning to their teams after it was over, and it was regrettable that we could not thank the fans properly.” I think I can do it,” he said.
He continued, “Most of the members who went to the World Cup were convened and trained, so we know each other’s favorite playstyle no matter what system it is. I think it doesn’t matter which position you play on the pitch. I hope the players can play a game where they can showcase their strengths well.”
He added, “Fans are happy when we do what we like, do fun things, and show a fun image. I think the most important thing is to play the game with a smile,” he emphasized. If we win, we can continue the good atmosphere.”
Korea has a record of 4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss against Colombia.
Meanwhile, after the match against Colombia, Korea will face Uruguay at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 28th. Korea has 1 win, 2 draws and 6 losses against Uruguay in the past.
[ 경기신문 = 유창현 기자 ]
