"Noise is noise, you don't have to be soft." Son Heung-min's cover for Hong Myung-bo was different in 10 years
Sep 04, 2024
|
|
|
There has been a lot of change. Son Heung-min, who was the 'youngest', has grown into a 'captain' and serves as a pillar of Korean soccer. Coach Hong returned to the ground after a long silence and led Ulsan HD to its second consecutive K-League 1 title, which is 'second place for a long time'.
There was a 'noise' in the process of appointing a director. There were more words that didn't need to be listened to. After all, it's the scene. Everything can be said on the ground. After taking the helm of the A national team for the first time in 10 years, Hong was the first to fly to London, England, and communicated with Son Heung-min 'Captain'.
Son Heung-min is always special. The World Cup, in which Son Heung-min played for the first time, was the 2014 Brazil tournament led by head coach Hong. When Son failed to advance to the round of 16, he shed tears of regret. Coach Hong, who could not speak of his pain, also held him warmly and promised the future.
|
|
In the third qualifying round, the first and second places in each group will win a ticket to the World Cup finals. The Republic of Korea faces all Middle Eastern countries. It was tied to Group B along with Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, including Palestine and Oman.
Coach Hong and Son Heung-min appeared side by side at the official press conference against Palestine on the 4th, a day before the showdown. Coach Hong said, `The preliminary round begins. The players are tired, but there are no injured players. "It's the first game. I think there will be many people's expectations. We're hoping for a lot of points, in line with our first start, but we're basically focused on winning. The most important thing is to win the first game."
|
|
Son Heung-min is the center of the A team. Coach Hong is drawing a sketch of the `New Team' through Son Heung-min. He said "The role of captain may be greater than that of me. The director has changed. It is right to start anew in a new atmosphere. I think Son Heung-min's role will continue to be important from the beginning to the end in terms of overall teamwork and leadership with existing players"I expect you to play a role as you have done so far. However, I know the weight that I have had unnecessarily so far. I think I can share things separately, and I think I can do it by getting out of a little more unnecessary responsibility, such as personal condition.
Son Heung-min said, `I think 10 years of Iran passed ridiculously quickly. On the one hand, it's a pity. The coach also worked together for the first time during the 2014 World Cup. I don't think you need to be soft because you're the captain then and now"I think it's important that it comes out naturally to always hold players charismatic from a high position. I'm well aware of that. I respect the coach, and I think if the players follow well, it will help us train regularly and live off the field."
|
|
Son Heung-min thinks he has been making the case for a long time on the role of 'Captain'. I never took it for granted for a moment. I think it's thanks to the help and sacrifice of many players. I talked about it yesterday after it was over. It can be awkward and a little intimidating when a new player comes in. I made sure to tell you not to. When you join the national team, you have to show your colors no matter who it isIt helps the team to show it. Naturally, I told you to be confident. My role is to lead by example rather than talking a lot. I think it's my role to allow the players to follow. I think it would be enough for the players to take great responsibility for the national team, respect each other, and try to satisfy the fans, as they have done so far," he said as a veteran.
|
|
Son Heung-min said, `Rather than paying attention, I think more about how to get the best result when I come to the national team. I feel honored to be asked this question. I hope we can make another historical record with victory and remember it for a long time," he smiled.
Hong said, `We have to be creative in attack and discipline in defense. Lee Kang-in's attack ability is good, and Son Heung-min, the striker and midfielder in the middle, are also capable. I think it will be important how well we play efficiently to increase the level of completion. As a result, I train for a day and play right away. There is also a part I talked to the players. The overall aspect, I think we need to think about it before the game.
|
|
After Jurgen Klinsmann's frustration at the Asian Cup in February, the head coach of the A-team was vacant. In seven months, an official coach will lead the A national team. It's finally the first showdown.
newsme@sportschosun.com
