Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his feelings about taking the helm of the Korean national soccer team again in an interview with FIFA on the 20th (Korea time).
“I started my coaching career with the Korean national team, so the environment around the team is not completely new to me,” Hong said. “But that was a long time ago, and everything has changed. The players and the coaching staff are all new, we have to take on new challenges with the current players.”
South Korea recorded one win and one draw in the first and second rounds of Group B of the third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup in Asia. It drew 0-0 against Palestine at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th and won 3-1 against Oman on the 10th. Coach Hong Myung-bo drew the first match of the second season of the national team’s coach, Palestine, after a rough match, but took a breather with the victory over Oman.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said, “It’s not easy for South Korea to advance to the World Cup,” adding, “Middle East away games are always tricky, but I’m sure we’ll be one of the best teams in Asia.”
“The soccer world is changing rapidly, and it’s not just in Asia. It’s important that we keep pace with the change,” he said. “But it’s much more important to establish our own football philosophy and stick to it.”
Director Hong Myung-bo added, “Technical philosophy includes not only technical aspects but also mental and cultural aspects.”
Earlier, Hong Myung-bo emphasized the technical philosophy of Korean soccer. In July, Hong Myung-bo said, “Chairman Lee Im-saeng talked about the technical philosophy of MIK (Made in Korea), and I was also interested in it while administering it (the Korea Football Association). I thought the connection between the national soccer team and the national team by age was very important, but it was not achieved,” adding, “There is a limit to administration, and implementing policies is the most important thing. Also, it is most important and good for the people in the field to do that. Also, I think it is best for the national team coach to do it.” 메이저사이트
“Our main goal right now is to advance to the 2026 World Cup. Our players certainly have the ability to compete not only in Asia but also in the world,” Hong said. “So instead of focusing on small improvements, the most important thing for me is to prepare them for the match in an appropriate environment based on Korea’s unique soccer culture.”
Meanwhile, South Korea will play Jordan on October 10 and Iraq on October 15 in the third and fourth rounds of the World Cup qualifiers.
