◀ Anchor ▶
The first national soccer team roster has been revealed since coach Hong Myung-bo took over.
Surprisingly, new players, including high school standout Yang Min-hyeok, have been selected.
This is reporter Kim Tae-woon.
◀ Report ▶
The standout player on Hong Myung-bo’s initial national team roster is the exceptionally talented Yang Min-hyeok.
Yang Min-hyeok, who debuted with Gangwon and has had an impressive year with 8 goals and 5 assists, is set to join Tottenham Hotspur early next year, fulfilling his dream of playing for the national team.
[Hong Myung-bo/National Team Coach]
“I believe that Yang Min-hyeok deserves a place on the national team. I have high expectations for him, and I expect him to perform well when he joins the team.”
He was chosen for the senior national team at a younger age than captain Son Heung-min, raising hopes for his future development.
[Yang Min-hyeok/Gangwon]
“As I’m representing my country, I will strive harder with a sense of responsibility to deliver a good performance on the field.”
Four players, including Yang Min-hyeok, Hwang Moon-gi from Gangwon, and Choi Woo-jin from Incheon, will wear the Taegeuk mark for the first time.
Coach Hong, previously controversial for his ‘loyal football’ approach, selected players based on their competitiveness for the World Cup finals and their potential for the future.
[Hong Myung-bo/National Team Coach]
“Whether the young players can play in the matches remains to be seen, but it is crucial to create an atmosphere and environment where they can play comfortably.”
There is even a possibility that Coach Hong, who faced backlash from the seniority controversy, may testify at the National Assembly.
Coach Hong emphasized the importance of commitment and pledged to build trust first.
[Hong Myung-bo/National Team Coach]
“(Regarding witness attendance) I haven’t heard anything directly. I’m unsure whether I can instill confidence in the players, but it’s important to be a manager who can provide them with confidence.”
Hong Myung-bo will call up players on the 2nd of next month and will begin the third round of the World Cup qualifiers with a home match against Palestine on the 5th.
This is Kim Tae-woon from MBC News.
Video coverage: Jo Yoon-ki / Video editing: Moon Myung-bae
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Breaking Down Coach Hong Myung-bo’s First National Soccer Team Roster
The anticipation surrounding Hong Myung-bo’s inaugural national soccer team roster has captivated fans and media alike. This significant announcement, featuring a fresh blend of seasoned players and exciting new talent, has sparked discussions throughout the soccer community.
Introducing Yang Min-hyeok: A Rising Star
A standout selection in this roster is undoubtedly Yang Min-hyeok, a remarkable high school prospect who has swiftly made a name for himself in the competitive realm of soccer. Over the past year, playing for Gangwon, Yang has showcased his abilities with an impressive tally of 8 goals and 5 assists. His vital contributions on the field played a key role in securing his position in the national team.
Yang’s future with Tottenham Hotspur, set to begin early next year, further signifies his rising status in the soccer world. As he takes this monumental step, becoming the youngest player to debut for the national team, expectations from both fans and coaching staff are sky-high.
Coach Hong Myung-bo’s Perspective
Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his strong belief in Yang’s potential. “I think that Yang Min-hyeok deserves to be on the national team,” he mentioned. “I have high expectations for him, so I expect him to do well when he joins the national team.” This statement emphasizes Hong’s commitment to nurturing young talent while also affirming his faith in their capabilities.
Yang himself acknowledged the honor of representing his country, stating, “As this is a position representing the country, I will work harder with a sense of responsibility to show a good performance on the field.” His determination reflects the evolving spirit and aspirations of the team as it gears up for upcoming matches.
New Faces Joining the National Team
The roster is not just about Yang Min-hyeok; it also includes other exciting new additions. Four players are set to wear the coveted Taegeuk mark for the first time, including:
- Hwang Moon-gi from Gangwon
- Choi Woo-jin from Incheon
These selections indicate Coach Hong’s intent to infuse the team with fresh energy and perspectives, crucial for the team’s competitiveness in international soccer.
The Vision Behind Player Selection
Coach Hong’s approach reflects a balance between competitiveness and nurturing future talents. Past controversies regarding player selection methods and loyalty to senior players had cast shadows over his tenure. However, his latest roster indicates a shift towards meritocracy and performance-based selections.
“Whether these young players can play in the game or not, we will have to call them up and see. It’s important to create an atmosphere… where they can play comfortably,” Hong commented. This comprehensive strategy aims to build a cohesive unit while giving promising talents a chance to shine.
The Importance of Developing Young Talent
In soccer, creating a pipeline of talented young players is essential for sustained success. Investing in young talent not only builds a strong team for the present but also secures the team’s future. Young players bring fresh tactics, agility, and a sense of urgency often missing in established players, and fostering this environment is key to a successful national team.
Upcoming Challenges: World Cup Qualifiers
Looking forward, Coach Hong will prepare his squad for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, starting with a critical home game against Palestine on November 5th. The stakes are high, and the newly formed team will need to exhibit teamwork, resilience, and determination.
Expectations from Players
As players gear up for this challenge, the following points are crucial for their success:
- Team Cohesion: Building chemistry among players, especially with new faces, will be vital.
- Individual Performance: Each player must bring their best A-game, leveraging their strengths.
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust tactics and strategies in real-time is essential against diverse opponents.
- Mental Fortitude: Soccer, especially at the national level, is as much about mindset as it is about physical prowess.
Support and Trust from Coach Hong
In another significant conversation, Coach Hong emphasized the importance of trust in nurturing his players. “I have not heard anything directly (about being called as a witness), but it’s important to become a manager who can give them confidence.” His assurance speaks volumes about his leadership philosophy — fostering an environment where players feel valued and trusted.
Addressing Controversies
Given the scrutiny surrounding his appointment and the controversies of the past, Hong is keen on rebuilding trust with both players and fans. His commitment to openness and collaboration will play a critical role in navigating these challenges.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Korean Soccer
This new roster signifies not just a change in players but heralds a potential shift in the trajectory of Korean soccer. The inclusion of fresh talent, the strong vision of Coach Hong, and the impending World Cup qualifiers set the stage for an exciting chapter ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold as the national team prepares to showcase its capabilities on a global stage.
