Korean soccer gamers acknowledge the gang after a goalless draw in opposition to Palestine within the third spherical of the Asian World Cup qualification at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Sept. 5. Yonhap
Following their goalless draw in opposition to Palestine in a World Cup qualifier marked by jeers from followers in Seoul on Thursday evening, Korean gamers stated they may have carried out with out such a damaging response.
Followers really cheered for the gamers, making an attempt to will them to attain a couple of targets in opposition to an underdog crew at Seoul World Cup Stadium. However these supporters had decidedly totally different reactions when it got here to the crew’s head coach, Hong Myung-bo, and the person who gave him the job, Korea Soccer Affiliation (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu.
Chung and the remainder of the KFA have been closely criticized for missing transparency of their teaching hiring course of, and Hong has been hammered for breaking his earlier promise with followers of his former membership, Ulsan HD FC, that he would by no means go away them for the nationwide crew.
Hong was jeered in the course of the prematch introduction. At any time when Hong was proven on the 2 scoreboards on the stadium, followers let their emotions recognized once more. In addition they held up indicators calling for Chung’s head and mocking Hong as a liar.
Son Heung-min, Korea’s captain, stated it was “upsetting” to listen to these boos for the coach. Son is considered one of simply two gamers on the present crew who additionally performed for Hong in the course of the coach’s first stint from 2013 to 2014.
“I am unable to communicate for these followers. I feel that they had a coach they needed,” Son stated. “However we will not change this determination. The coach is already in place. As captain of this crew, I would wish to ask our followers for his or her love and assist.”
Son Heung-min leaves a soccer area after the sport in opposition to Palestine within the third spherical of the Asian World Cup qualification at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Sept. 5. Yonhap
Much more boos rained down after the closely favored Korea failed to come back away with a victory. That prompted defender Kim Min-jae to stroll towards the Korean supporters’ part and ask them to relax.
Some followers reacted angrily to Kim’s gesture, and launched into cyber assault on his Instagram web page.
Son stated an incident like Kim’s ought to by no means occur once more as a result of the connection between followers and their nationwide crew ought to all the time be optimistic.
“They got here right here to root for us. And if they will preserve issues in a optimistic temper, it’s going to assist us and encourage us to compete more durable,” Son added. “At the least after we’re enjoying at dwelling, we should not be creating our personal enemies.”
Kim defined that he was not being hostile towards followers, and that he was solely asking them for assist.
“I used to be not being aggressive in any respect. I used to be only a bit disillusioned that some folks needed us to fail,” Kim stated. “I see that individuals have left some feedback on my social media web page. Folks can have their very own opinions however I simply hope they perceive it wasn’t something like what they assume it was.”
Kim stated he and his teammates all appreciated one other massive turnout at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
“We’re simply sorry that we did not reward them with efficiency,” the Bayern Munich defender stated. “We must always have performed higher. We are going to attempt to win our subsequent match.”
Midfielder Lee Kang-in, Korea’s prime offensive engine on an in any other case unproductive evening for the crew, additionally pleaded with followers for assist for Hong.
“I am unable to communicate for everybody, However truthfully, as a member of the nationwide crew, I discover it very unlucky that we began our match with boos,” Lee stated. “We belief our head coach 100%. We are going to observe him and we consider he’ll assist us play successful soccer. Clearly, followers should be upset with the consequence tonight, however I hope they may cheer for us as a result of we’ll strive our greatest to deliver them higher outcomes.” (Yonhap)
