Hong Myung-bo (57), coach of the Korea national team, spoke about the background for selecting the 26-man World Cup final roster and the plans for future preparations.
Korea Football Association held an announcement event for the World Cup final roster at 4 p.m. on the 16th in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.
The forwards included Son Heung-min (LAFC), Cho Kyu-sung (Midtjylland), and Oh Hyun-kyu (Beşiktaş). The midfield was built around Lee Kang-in (PSG), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton).
The defense included Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Cho Yoo-min (Sharjah), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), and the goalkeepers are Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), and Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai).
The national team will depart for the United States on the 18th to hold a pre-camp in Salt Lake City. Afterwards, on June 5 they will move to the Guadalajara base camp and begin full-scale World Cup preparations.
Meanwhile, Kang Sang-yoon, Jo Wi-je (both of Jeonbuk Hyundai), and Yoon Ki-wook (FC Seoul) will accompany the team as training partners.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "This World Cup has many differences compared with past World Cups. Although the number of participating countries increased, because it is being held across the widest area in history, variables such as travel distance, climate, time differences and match operation methods have become more numerous than ever," and added, "Ultimately the key to this World Cup is how we cope with and control these variables."
He continued, "We will strive to turn variables into opportunities to create upsets rather than crises. In particular, we will face the unfamiliar variable of high altitude starting from the group stage," he said.
The following is a question-and-answer with coach Hong Myung-bo.
Which positions were debated until the final list and what was the rationale for the choices?
-We debated many positions until the end. It is difficult to name names, but there was particularly heated debate over midfield and defender positions. It was a big dilemma until the final decision on whom to select. Contributions over a long period to the national team were important, and the organizational aspects we created together even in a short time could not be ignored. In that sense, we spent a lot of time deliberating over the midfield and central defender spots.
What is Hwang In-beom's physical condition and why was Lee Dong-gyeong chosen?
-Hwang In-beom's current condition was assessed through tests. His cardiopulmonary function had no problems at all and was actually in a much better position than other players. However, because he has not played many matches recently, his match sharpness cannot yet be considered perfect. We plan to raise his match sharpness in the two matches to be played in the United States. The physical coach is conducting intense training and he is completing all the training volume.
Lee Dong-gyeong had difficulties early in the season but we have watched him consistently. In the recent two matches he showed his former form. While our attacking resources have speed and experience, Lee Dong-gyeong is the type who can connect and receive the ball between the lines. We judged he could provide an option that performs a different role from other players. He can vary his play between when speed is needed and when it is necessary to hold and operate the ball.
What was the reason for selecting Lee Ki-hyuk and how did you approach the defensive midfielder question?
-A key consideration in player selection this time was multi-ability. Lee Ki-hyuk can play a variety of roles including central defense, midfield and left fullback. I watched Gangwon's matches consistently and confirmed good performance, and I talked with his club coaches. His current condition and confidence are very good.
As a defender he has strengths and weaknesses, but I think he has improved a lot compared with before. There is no typical type for defensive midfield because some players are out due to injury, but we plan to prepare by training using Park Jin-seop and Lee Ki-hyuk.
Why was the recent goal changed from "round of 16" to "group of 32"?
This World Cup has a lot of changes. Our primary goal is to advance into the round of 32 in a favorable position. If that happens, I think the morale of the team and players will rise greatly. After that, anything can happen. I think we could even rise to an unexpected position. Saying the goal is the round of 32 does not mean that; the "first goal" is to reach the knockout stage with good momentum.
Why were training partners selected?
-The national team is at a time when results and competitiveness are important. At the same time, I think we must prepare the next cycle. I wanted young players to directly experience what standards and attitudes the national team trains with through this World Cup. Learning the pressure and burden of preparing for international competitions from an early age helps growth. So we plan to bring them along for training.
What do you feel about the growth of the players and yourself as coach during this period?
-The players fundamentally have good abilities. Because the national team must operate within a limited time, it is not easy to create direction. Still, having worked together for two years, I think we have shared many aspects of which direction we should take on and off the pitch. The players have grown a lot. I also think I have grown as a coach in terms of experience and by working with good players.
How will communication with the association and squad management be handled during the long training camp?
-Having a long preparation period that we did not have before is fortunate in some ways, but conversely it can cause difficulties. We are preparing support that can be provided externally, such as matters related to players' families. We are continuing to talk with the association.
I believe team management can be much more proactive if players judge, decide and take responsibility themselves. We plan to actively reflect the players' thoughts and opinions.
How will you manage players who join late, such as Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min?
-The squad will travel split into first and second groups. K League players and staff will depart on the 18th. Players coming from Europe can train from the 24th under FIFA regulations. Lee Kang-in plans to join even later.
Salt Lake City is at high altitude so we will need to monitor players' conditions for the first two to three days. Intense training will be difficult. Because each player adapts at a different rate, we plan to use individualized approaches. Afterwards we will proceed with tactical training.
What do you think about the recent scoring slump among the attackers?
-Club and national team contexts are a bit different. Scoring is important, but at the World Cup preventing goals is also important. We must prepare both sides well. Oh Hyun-kyu and Cho Kyu-sung have been scoring consistently. I watched Son Heung-min play in LA and because his position there is a bit lower than with the national team, he did not get many chances. We will continue to discuss with the players which position suits them best and prepare accordingly.
What did you discuss with Son Heung-min about the high-altitude environment?
-I spoke directly with Son Heung-min in LA. He had played at 2,300 meters and said it was difficult during the match and he felt more fatigued afterward. Although we will not face that altitude, we are not accustomed to high-altitude environments, so adapting to 1,600 meters is very important.
How do you respond to evaluations that the friendly opponents are somewhat weak?
-It was very difficult to arrange opponents for the friendlies. If we had moved to another region, we could have faced stronger teams. However, because the first match is held at high altitude, we judged it was not efficient to move to another region to play strong teams. It was not easy to find teams with matching conditions. We even considered matching with club teams. Ultimately it was fortunate for us to secure a match against El Salvador at the end.
What role do you expect captain Son Heung-min to play?
I did not give Son Heung-min any special additional orders. I expect him to perform as he has until now. Not only Son Heung-min but all players should convey their thoughts well to the coaching staff. I hope the players prepare for the World Cup happily and comfortably. The results are unpredictable, but I hope the players enjoy the process.
What would you like to say to the fans?
The World Cup is beginning. As coach, I will protect this team until the end. I hope many fans will send strong support and cheers so the players can go to the World Cup with good energy.<
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