Men’s football coach asks league to release players early
Published: 10 Jul. 2017, 20:15
From left, Kim Ho-gon, Korea Football Association’s technical director, and Shin Tae-yong, head coach of the Korean national football team, at a K-League Classic match between Suwon Samsung Bluewings at Suwon World Cup Stadium. [YONHAP]
Shin Tae-yong, who took the helm of the men’s senior squad last week, said Sunday that he’d be grateful if the Korea Football Association (KFA) and the K-League, which governs the professional competitions, allow him to summon national team players earlier than scheduled.
In the final Asian qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Korea is scheduled to host Iran on Aug. 31 and face Uzbekistan in Tashkent on Sept. 5 for the finale. The Taeguk Warriors are barely holding on to the final automatic qualification spot with 13 points, sitting just one point up from Uzbekistan in second place in Group A.
In Asia, the top two teams from Groups A and B can advance directly to the World Cup in Russia. Two third-place teams must go through playoffs for their final chance.
Shin’s side was originally scheduled to assemble at the National Football Center on Aug. 28, but if the coach’s request is granted, the national team players will start training together on Aug. 21.
Kim Ho-gon, who leads the KFA technical committee, said he will find ways to help Shin, who is tasked with leading Korea to a ninth consecutive World Cup appearance. Coaches in the first-division K-League Classic said they are also willing to help the national team.
The K-League said it will convene a board meeting to decide whether or not to accept an early call-up of the players after receiving an official request from the KFA.
Shin, who previously coached Korea’s under-23 and under-20 squads, watched K-League matches over the weekend to check on the players for the senior team. He explained that whoever shows the best form will be selected, and that also applies to veterans like Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors forward Lee Dong-gook and Suwon Samsung Bluewings midfielder Yeom Ki-hun, who haven’t played internationally for more than three years.
“I’m first going to watch the players who give their best for the full 90 minutes,” he said ahead of the K League match between Suwon and Jeju United on Sunday.
The 46-year-old is also expected to announce his coaching staff this week.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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