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[Awards Review]
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▶ Soccer Fans Source of Strength, Korean Squad Improving: Hiddink
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[2002/04/10 ]
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Seoul, April 9 (Yonhap) -- Guus Hiddink, head coach of Korea's soccer team, said Tuesday that domestic soccer fans were a source of strength for his players, and that the squad's capabilities were improving ahead of the 2002 World Cup finals.
The coach speaking to reporters about overall plans for the team with little over 50 days left before the kick-off in Seoul on May 31, stressed that he gave high marks for the 'fighting spirit' of his men on the pitch.
Hiddink emphasized that he was aware of the role played by the country's soccer supporters like the Red Devils this will have a positive impact on the World Cup.
On matter pertaining to the games, he said that since most of the star players from foreign clubs will not be able to run against Costa Rica on April 20, he would use the game as a test to check up on young Korean players.
He then said that he expected to have his full complement of strikers and midfielders for the friendly with China a week later, which should give him an opportunity to make his final decision on the final lineup which he must submit to FIFA by May 21.
The Dutchman said that though the results of last month's European tour was not completely satisfactory, the team was able to gain valuable experience by tackling Tunisia, Finland and Turkey.
He said that he was putting the finishing touches on the 'power program' to build up the physical strength of his players and devising tactic to tackle the three other teams in the World Cup preliminaries.
Hiddink did not go into details about what specific tactics he will employ against Portugal, Poland and the United States, but said that the squad's ability to maintain a solid defense, while creating offensive opportunities was bearing fruit. He also said that greater emphasis will be placed on working up set-plays near goal areas that could lead to points.
He said that the match with Poland and the United States would be decisive and that the two teams played a similar brand of soccer.
In regard's to Korea's chances of moving onto the finals' second-round matches, he pointed out that he was not 100 percent sure about the outcome, but said that the changes being made under his tutelage would increase the team's standing overall.
He then added that with his team ranking 43rd in the official FIFA rating scheme they are in a weaker position than the teams it will run up against in the World Cup, but this could be offset to some extent if they made use of the home ground advantage.
Korean national team's head coach said this view was supported by European experts who have applauded changes in teamwork and discipline, though citing problems with its offensive punch.
The coach also said that he has tried to lead his men by instilling trust and confidence since he took the helm early last year, while conceding that he was learning from the players under his charge. In particular, Hiddink said that he was impressed by the ability of players to 'rebound' from a defeat, which was a asset that could be used in tournament games like the first stage of the World Cup finals.
yonngong@yna.co.kr |
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