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| Cho aiming at globalisation of Korean football |
| [ 2010-07-22 ] |
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Newly appointed Korea Republic coach Cho Kwang-Rae gave an official press conference at KFA House on Thursday.
"Since I began my coaching career my dream has been to lead the national team," said the 56-year-old. "I want to build a team that can quickly switch between attack and defence, so Korean football will be able to challenge some top-class teams in the world."
"I've always said that passes are the most important things in Korean football in order to close the gap between us and world football," Cho added. "The Asian Cup is very important. To win the continental championship we should find the balance between the players in foreign leagues and the domestic league, while we need to focus on the shift of generations if we put the priority on the World Cup in Brazil."
Notes from the press conference as follows:
- Congratulations on your appointment as coach of the national team. How do you feel?
Cho Kwang-Rae: Firstly, I'd like to thank for giving me an opportunity to lead the team. Ever since I began my coaching career my dream has been to lead the national team. I've always wanted to transform Korea Republic into a world class team. I saw the team reach the round of 16 for the first time on foreign soil during the World Cup in South Africa. We'd need to solve the problems in defence and finishing as soon as possible, then we'll be able to close the gap between us and world football at the World Cup in Brazil. My goal is the globalisation of Korean football, and to build a team that can quickly switch between attack and defence.
- Professor Shin Moon-Sun of Myungji University once said 'Cho Kwang-Rae's football is similar to that of Spain.' Are you confident enough to emulate the success of Spanish football?
Well, in the first place, I'd like to thank the Technical Committee for approving the appointment unanimously. I think they've chosen me to adapt to the current of world football because I'm the one who thinks passes are the most important things in football. During my coaching career and my studies in Brazil and France, I've thought we should play good football based on passes. Modern game is the battle against the speed. The K-League as well as the national team need to speed up in order to catch up with world football. In that sense, we need to learn from Spanish football.
- The national team coach should take many things into account, including the cooperation with the K-League and the Technical Committee. How are you going to deal with them?
I've always said that passes are the most important things in Korean football in order to close the gap between us and world football. Also, I respect the professional clubs and will maintain good relationship with them. I will of course ask the Technical Committee for help when needed.
- Are you going to call up the players in the European leagues for the friendly with Nigeria on 11 August?
That's what I have to discuss with the Technical Committee. The players in Europe would find it difficult to join the national team, but I hope they will join the team for the fans so they can share their experience in Europe with people in Korea.
- How are you going to assemble your coaching staff?
I want to be with those who will be able to help me where I need most, the experts whom I can ask for a piece of advice on how to run and control the national team.
- The Asian Cup in January is just around the corner, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is also approaching.
The Asian Cup is very important. To win the continental championship we should find the balance between the players in foreign leagues and the domestic league, while we need to focus on the shift of generations if we put the priority on the World Cup in Brazil.
- What do you think about the relationship with Gyeongnam FC in the future?
I met and talked with some of Gyeongnam supporters the other day. I really felt sorry for them, and I was touched by the comments they posted on the club's website. I've also thought about taking charge of both the club and the national team for a while. But I'm afraid neither side could go well if I took care of both sides. They should find a way for Gyeongnam to stabilise as soon as possible. I don't think I will leave the club until they've found my replacement.
- Any advice about the qualities required for those who will be in your national team?
Although skills are important, I think the professionalism is important as well. I don't care if they are veterans or rookies, but the fittest ones will be in the national team. Regardless of which schools or places they are from, and what religion or ideology they believe in, their 'abilities' are what I'm interested in. I will also listen what my colleagues say.
- Fans are expecting so much about your ability to unearth the gems.
I've stressed the importance of passes since ten years ago. At my past clubs the players spent 70 to 80 per cent of the training on passes. If you see Spain or Germany play, you see only the teams that play attacking football with tempo can survive. The reason why I brought the likes of Lee Young-Pyo and Kim Dong-Jin early was that I wanted them to taste the concept of professionals from early ages. I'm glad that those young players have established themselves now. What I've seen through the World Cup last month was that our players could play their football despite being under pressure on such a big stage.
- What does the national team have to improve in the future?
Defending and finishing. As for the defence, I think we can get much better if we strengthen the organisation among the resources we've got, although it is also important to find some good players. The most important thing, however, is to close the gap between attack, midfield and defence in order to organise the team as a unit.
- Are you going to build on the team Huh Jung-Moo had worked on?
I think the current squad is made up of the best players in Korean football. I won't break the backbone of the team or start from scratch, but I'm thinking about bringing in a couple of new players who can pass the ball very well.
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