Head coach Hwang Seon-hong, who leads the U-24 national soccer team, responded as follows when asked about Lee Kang-in’s performance. The U-24 national team, which will participate in the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September, will hold convocation training for 3 days and 2 nights at Paju NFC for three days from today (15th).
It was during the K-League season, but due to lack of training time before the tournament, the call was made with the cooperation of each club. Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) and Jung Woo-young (Freiburg), who play in Europe, could not join, but we are already interested in how to use Lee Kang-in in the Asian Games. Director Hwang Seon-hong has never worked with Lee Kang-in yet, but he plans to actively utilize it. Coach Hwang said, “I play a lot on the side right now, but competitiveness in other positions is the key.”
However, since the Asian Games period overlaps with major European league seasons, there is a possibility that the issue of selection may become a stumbling block. Coach Hwang said, “I plan to go to Europe, too.”
As the Hangzhou Asian Games were postponed for a year in the aftermath of Corona 19, the age limit for the national team increased from 23 to 24 years old. The ‘Wild Card’, which has no age limit, can be used with up to 3 players per team. Coach Hwang said, “I’m thinking about a pool of about 10 people,” and “I’m trying to select players who can be of strength in a position that is lacking.”
The following is a Q&A with director Hwang Seon-hong.
-Convocation impressions
= It is so nice to see the bright appearance of the players. The K-League is very fierce, but I am grateful to the clubs and coaches who cooperated with the selection.
-What kind of players are the K-League players gathered now
= In short, they are the players who are leading the K-League now, and in the long run, they are the players who will lead Korean football in the future. Depending on how much these players grow in the future, I think the competitiveness of Korean soccer will change considerably. I will make it possible to develop further through the Asian Games and the Olympics
- How do you plan the attacking team?
= Striker has a lot of worries. The competition for side midfielders is so fierce that it is impossible to say who will go to the Asian Games. I think the way to the Asian Games is to become competitive in the K-League and as a team.
-How to solve the frontline concerns
= Wildcard is also thinking about it. Overseas players have issues with their team selection, so Plan B is also being considered.
- The ability to think first when selecting
= one team. Since it is a tournament and a short game, the most important thing is how much you can compete as a team. - The competition for the second line is fierce, but Lee Kang-in seems to have a large role. how are you watching lately
= It’s a little difficult to say overall. I’m thinking of how to use it in my head. However, now he plays a lot in the side midfielder, and he has improved a lot compared to before. The key is how much competitiveness you can show in another position. Since I have time to spare, I plan to communicate with the player and induce him to play well and play in his favorite position. 안전놀이터 - Challenge for 3 consecutive gold medals in ball games, is it burdensome?
= Your shoulders are very heavy. Since it is an unavoidable situation, it is important to face it confidently. I will do my best with the players to make it a tournament that can bring joy to the people.
There is also news that North Korea is returning
. I think I should go to the field and look at the team’s level and situation. It’s a team wrapped in a veil, so if possible, I hope we don’t meet.