National team manager eyes young talent

Cho Kwang-rae, the new manager of the national team, is focused on infusing his squad with young talent as he looks to establish a solid lineup for the next World Cup in four years.

Cho recently asked numerous overseas Korean players to participate in an upcoming international friendly against Nigeria on Aug. 11. A large number of players from the J-League in Japan were included.

“I’m looking to select young players who can represent Korea at the 2014 World Cup,” Cho said. “In order to play an up-tempo game, you need to think quickly on your feet.”

The list of players Cho has invited include Kim Bo-kyung, 21, of Oita Trinita; Kim Min-woo, 20, of Sagantosu; Kim Young-kwon, 20, of FC Tokyo and Cho Young-chul, 21, of Albirex Niigata. All are former members of the U-20 squad that went to the quarterfinals of the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt. Park Joo-ho, 23, of Iwata is another notable player on the list. Cho has also asked a majority of overseas-based players who participated in this year’s Cup to join the national team.