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New Taeguk Warriors coach Choi Kang-Hee: South Korean football isn't on the edge of a cliff
The new national team boss acknowledges 2012 will be a big year for the game in South Korea but insists the Taeguk Warriors have no need to panic in World Cup qualifying
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Jan 4, 2012 3:59:00 AM
By Ben Somerford
Getty Images
New South Korea coach Choi Kang-Hee admits 2012 represents a huge year for the national team but insists it isn't on the verge of crisis.
The 52-year-old ex-Jeonbuk Motors boss, who was appointed as the successor to Cho Kwang-Rae in December, spoke to the Korean media in Seoul on Tuesday alongside Olympic coach Hong Myung-Bo about the challenges for the upcoming year.
The Korean national team must get a result in their final third round 2014 World Cup qualifying clash with Kuwait next month to ensure their progress to the next phase. A failure to do so, combined with a Lebanon result over group whipping boys UAE, would see the Taeguk Warriors incredibly eliminated from World Cup qualifying.
However, two-time K-League Coach of the Year Choi told reporters there was no need for panic and that this batch of players could still be a "great team".
“I don’t think Korea football is standing on the edge of a cliff,” Choi said. “If we can just turn things around, I believe we can still be a great team.”
He added: “The year 2012 is a very important year for Korean football. To achieve a good result for the national team and Olympic team, I will collaborate closely with Hong.”
Hong's Olympic side will also aim to complete qualification for the 2012 London Olympics as part of the big year for Korean football.
“It’d be great if we win the next two games on the road and qualify, but we’re all thinking the berth will come down to the final match,” Hong said.
“Too much optimism could affect our young players’ form. We are not done yet. The difficult part is just starting.”
The 52-year-old ex-Jeonbuk Motors boss, who was appointed as the successor to Cho Kwang-Rae in December, spoke to the Korean media in Seoul on Tuesday alongside Olympic coach Hong Myung-Bo about the challenges for the upcoming year.
The Korean national team must get a result in their final third round 2014 World Cup qualifying clash with Kuwait next month to ensure their progress to the next phase. A failure to do so, combined with a Lebanon result over group whipping boys UAE, would see the Taeguk Warriors incredibly eliminated from World Cup qualifying.
However, two-time K-League Coach of the Year Choi told reporters there was no need for panic and that this batch of players could still be a "great team".
“I don’t think Korea football is standing on the edge of a cliff,” Choi said. “If we can just turn things around, I believe we can still be a great team.”
He added: “The year 2012 is a very important year for Korean football. To achieve a good result for the national team and Olympic team, I will collaborate closely with Hong.”
Hong's Olympic side will also aim to complete qualification for the 2012 London Olympics as part of the big year for Korean football.
“It’d be great if we win the next two games on the road and qualify, but we’re all thinking the berth will come down to the final match,” Hong said.
“Too much optimism could affect our young players’ form. We are not done yet. The difficult part is just starting.”
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