Head coach Hwang Seon-hong, who simultaneously leads the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games national team, said that he looks forward to joining Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) and Oh Hyun-gyu (Celtic), who have been very active in the adult team.
Head coach Hwang, who returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 29th after the under-22 (U-22) men’s soccer team’s expedition to Qatar, met with reporters and asked if they had seen Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu’s recent performance, “It would have been nice if they continued to be together (with us). …” he laughed.
The fact that the two players, born in 2001, are far superior to their peers, is rather a dilemma for coach Hwang.
Although he is old enough to play in the national team by age group led by coach Hwang, the possibility of becoming a key player in the adult national team is realizing his growth.
In fact, the two players were mainly selected for the national team by age rather than the adult national team under the former manager Paulo Bento.
However, coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who has newly taken over the leadership of the senior national team, is poised to mediate between the two players.
The two players played in both domestic evaluation matches between Colombia and Uruguay during the March A-match (match between national teams).
Lee Kang-in, who started the match against Uruguay on the 28th, played full-time and showed off his skills as the next-generation ace of the national team with creative dribble breakthroughs and accurate left-footed crosses.
Coach Klinsman praised him after the game, saying, “The only thing that could stop Lee Kang-in was a foul.”
Oh Hyeon-gyu also played as a substitute in the second half of the game against Uruguay and shook the net with a sensuous right-footed turning shot. However, as a result of the video review (VAR), an offside was declared and the goal was not recognized.
Coach Hwang said that he watched the match against Uruguay and said, “Hyeon-kyu Oh first met (me) when he played Uzbekistan in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do last year, and Kang-in Lee has not been able to meet. I hope to meet soon and train together.” said.
With the Hangzhou Asian Games approaching in about six months, coach Hwang announced that he would consult with coach Klinsman over the selection of Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu.
Coach Hwang said, “I met coach Klinsman the other day at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and told him about this situation.” “The coach also asked us to talk while drinking tea before June or September.”
He added, “He has a very open mind, so I think it’s a problem that can be achieved through communication.”
The concern coach Hwang got from this Qatar expedition was the performance of the U-24 Asian Games national team.
Unlike the Olympic team under the age of 22 (U-22), which won three consecutive victories in the ‘2023 Doha Cup Friendly Tournament’, in which 10 Asian countries participated, the Asian Games national team struggled with Qatar professional teams in two friendly matches with one draw and one loss. .
The Hangzhou Asian Games, which will be held in September, are already six months away.
Coach Hwang said, “Since June of last year, the U-24 national team has not been summoned. We are urgently refining our organizational skills now.메이저사이트” I have to merge with the players, so I’m planning to prepare like that from June.”
At the same time, he also added an evaluation of Hong Hyun-seok (Ghent), who is active in Belgian professional soccer.
Hong Hyun-seok has established himself as a built-in midfielder for Gent, recording 8 goals and 8 assists in the entire official match, including 5 goals and 5 assists in the league this season.
Coach Hwang said, “Compared to last June, my physical strength and aggressiveness have improved considerably. Also, since I am playing in Europe, I think it will help the team.” I think I can show it,” he said.