Interim Coach Aims to Address Offense-Defense Imbalance and Team Chemistry Issues

Courtesy of KFA

Hwang Sun-hong, head coach of the Korean men's under-23 national football team, has been named caretaker head coach for the senior squad's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Thailand. The decision comes after Korea's elimination from the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar last month.

Korea will play two World Cup qualifiers against Thailand, hosting the first match on March 21 in Seoul and facing them again five days later in Bangkok during the second round of Asian qualifying.

Expressing concern over the imbalance between offense and defense observed during the Asian Cup, Hwang emphasized the need to strike a better balance, acknowledging the limited time for complete resolution.

Hwang, appointed as temporary head coach following Jurgen Klinsmann's dismissal, is tasked with addressing team chemistry issues that surfaced post-Asian Cup, notably the altercation between Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and national team captain Son Heung-min over a table tennis match. 

▲ Hwang Sun-hong / Courtesy of KFAThe Korea Football Association (KFA) has opted for an interim solution, not naming a full-time replacement for Klinsmann immediately. Hwang, also coach of the under-23 men's team, will lead the senior squad temporarily, with the KFA taking time to find a permanent head coach.

In addition to addressing on-field concerns, Hwang aims to mend internal team relations and has spoken with veterans from the Asian Cup to better understand the issues. Despite the limited duration of his role, Hwang is committed to fostering team communication and resolving misunderstandings.

The 23-man squad announced by Hwang includes familiar faces such as Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min, and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Notably, three players receive their first senior international callup: Ulsan HD FC forward Joo Min-kyu, Gwangju FC midfielder Jeong Ho-yeon, and Ulsan defender Lee Myung-jae.

Hwang, highlighting Joo Min-kyu's goal-scoring prowess in the K League 1, expressed the importance of selecting players in good form. Eleven players from the K League 1 were chosen for the squad, but Suwon FC midfielder Lee Seung-woo, a former FC Barcelona youth player, was among the final cuts.

Hwang emphasized the unfortunate decision regarding Lee Seung-woo and expressed hope that he and other K League players continue their efforts, with the national team doors remaining open to them.

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