[골닷컴, 카타르 알에글라] Reporter Kim Hyeong-joong = Korea national football team coach Paulo Bento held a press conference following the defeat once morest Ghana.
Bento held a press conference on the 29th at 10:00 pm (Korean time) at the ‘Hana Bank Korea House’ located at the Al Egla training site at the national team training ground.
The national team lost 2-3 in the second leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar Group H qualifier once morest Ghana on the 28th. South Korea conceded two goals first and showed the potential to catch up to a tie, but lost by conceding the third goal. Until the end of the game, they continued to attack, aiming for another tie, but failed.
Immediately following the end of the game, coach Bento strongly appealed to referee Anthony Taylor who blew the final whistle without giving a corner kick. Referee Taylor immediately issued a red card and sent off. Because of this, coach Bento was not allowed to sit on the bench in the third match once morest Portugal. Head coach Sergio, who attended the official press conference following the game, expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “The referee responded to a legitimate protest.”
In response, Bento held a press conference. He first apologized to the players. He then revealed his determination to prepare well for the match once morest Portugal and show what a good team is. After watching Kim Min-jae’s physical condition, he said he would decide to participate.
The following is a Q&A from Director Bento.
What was the appeal once morest Ghana, and were you aware that you would be sent off?
I want to say sorry to the players. I will help the team, but the reaction was not good in yesterday’s game. I came out like that because I am also a person, but the referee was a Premier League referee, but he lacked respect. It looked right in the first half, but not in the second half. I’m sorry to the players because it’s not a good look.
How will you prepare for the game once morest Portugal when you can’t sit on the bench?
Not being able to sit on the bench is not a good situation, but I take full responsibility. It’s not an optimal situation, but our team knows what to do. I will prepare to show everything because I have time to prepare for the next match and recover. It will show you what a good team and a good organization is. I will prepare many things.
Will there be a new starter for the match once morest Portugal?
You have to watch it as a whole. If there is a change, it is a change to the starting 11. By doing a good opponent analysis, we hide our weaknesses and show our strengths. As a result, selection changes may occur. But since there is still time, the final decision will be made at the last minute.
Is Hwang Hee-chan fit for the 3rd game? How is Kim Min-jae’s physical condition?
Two different situations with the two players. Kim Min-jae played many games before the tournament. He played in all matches including Serie A and Champions League. Even following his injury, he showed a spirit of sacrifice and will. I tried to play as much as possible in the game once morest Ghana. Hwang Hee-chan is in a different situation. He didn’t play many games for the club. He suffered a small injury during a match on the 6th, which he played for the Carabao Cup just before the roster announcement. He ran with a risk. I guess I’ll have to watch it because I have some time left. Both players are in different situations, but I will decide following watching.
Lee Kang-in is running following not getting a chance. was it in the plan?
Lee Kang-in is a player who has been observing for a long time. He was selected once for Valencia following the 2019 Asian Cup despite not having many appearances. He is a player without a doubt. He made progress and continuously observed and analyzed. He decided not only to look at the club, but also to see what he did with us. He is also doing well with the club and showed good skills for a month or two before the World Cup. He was helpful and gladly picked us up.
If Kim Min-jae is unable to play, are you considering other tactics such as a three-back?
not.
Can’t sit on the bench once morest Portugal. How will you communicate, such as a replacement order?
I won’t because I can’t communicate due to regulations. The other coaching staff are competent. Team training is also underway, and of course it may not be the same as what I am, but they are competent staff.
Portugal is a game to be won. What would you say is one of the most important factors?
It takes a lot to win once morest a team like Portugal. Yesterday’s match showed a lot of good points, but it’s not enough. Football is like life. We understand that, and we have to react to difficult situations as a team. I think the results are not justified because I did a lot yesterday. The match once morest Portugal has to be pushed to our limit. Errors should be analyzed as much as possible. The second goal was the biggest mistake and the other goal was unlucky. It reached the hand and the second ball became a goal. It was unlucky. The opponent has individual abilities and is a good team, so we have to push our limits as much as possible.
Regardless of the result, what kind of football would you like to hear Bentuho played?
Soccer has a part that leads to results. People will have opinions. I don’t have a big impact. What is clear is that the way we think regarding the team and the players will not change. It is not right to only look at the results. It is correct to see both the process and the results that the team has achieved through a long process. There were also difficult situations along the way. It can be said that the national team was able to play in a different style. I will play this kind of soccer while taking the maximum risk once morest a strong team. I will pour everything into preparation.