South Korea coach Juergen Klinsmann acknowledged the achievements of the national team players who have succeeded in Europe’s top leagues, emphasizing that Asian football has greatly progressed over the last decade, providing these players with such opportunities. Klinsmann spoke to reporters ahead of South Korea’s Asian Cup group opener against Bahrain, expressing his admiration for players such as Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae, who have made significant impacts in European clubs.
Both Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan currently play in the Premier League, where they have a combined tally of 22 goals this season. Additionally, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae have moved on to join Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich, respectively, highlighting the increasing presence of Asian players in top European leagues.
Klinsmann emphasized the challenges that players face when transitioning to a foreign country, including adapting to a new culture, language, and style of play. He commended the players for their dedication and success in Europe, noting the sacrifices involved in such moves.
With previous experience managing both Germany and the United States, Klinsmann aims to end South Korea’s 64-year trophy drought in the continental competition. He cited significant World Cup upsets as evidence of the rise of Asian football, including Japan defeating Germany, Saudi Arabia overcoming Argentina, and South Korea’s victory against Portugal.
Expressing confidence in the capabilities of the South Korean team, Klinsmann affirmed his desire to secure victory in the Asian Cup, despite previous triumphs in other prestigious tournaments. He views the Asian Cup as a “marathon” and believes that South Korea possesses the qualities necessary to clinch the title.
Meanwhile, Hwang Hee-chan, a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, downplayed concerns about potential fatigue among Europe-based players due to the demanding nature of top-tier leagues. He highlighted the honor and joy of representing Korea on the international stage, emphasizing the team’s focus on achieving positive results.
Hwang stressed the team’s commitment to delivering strong performances and acknowledged the enthusiasm to play for Korea, disregarding discussions about fatigue. Reflecting on the Asian Cup, he expressed his determination to contribute to Korea’s success on the field.
As the South Korean team prepares for the Asian Cup, Klinsmann’s leadership and the players’ dedication are vital in their pursuit of the tournament title. The increasing presence of Asian players in European leagues and the team’s collective determination reflect the growing prominence of Asian football on the global stage.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Doha; editing by Pritha Sarkar)
