Hwang Sun-hong, the head coach of the Korean Olympic team, has been appointed as the interim head coach of the Korean national soccer team to lead the second consecutive Asian qualifiers for the 2026 North-Central America World Cup against Thailand next month (home from January 21 to August 26). It is the third time since Huh Jung-moo (January 1999 to September 2000) and Pim Verbeek (July 2006 to August 2007). 메이저 토토사이트
Coach Hwang said through the Korea Football Association, "I had a lot of trouble when I was asked to cooperate by the Korea Power Enhancement Committee at a time when Korean soccer was in crisis. I thought I needed to help a little bit in a difficult situation, so I made the decision after a lot of thought," and expressed his determination, saying, "I will do my best to prepare well for Korean soccer to return to its original position."
Hwang will have to prepare for two consecutive games against Thailand next month, while at the same time preparing for the final Asian qualifying round for the 2024 Paris Olympics and the U-23 Asian Cup of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to be held in Qatar in April. There is no time physically.
"There are some things that I am worried about and worrisome because the Olympic qualifying round is tight," Hwang said. "I will closely consult with the coaches and make preparations without any deficiencies. I will also do my best to finish the national soccer team with good results."
Finally, coach Hwang said, "The people are currently concerned about Korean soccer, and I will do my best with responsibility to ease the worries," and added, "I ask for a lot of support and support for the national soccer team."
Meanwhile, the power reinforcement committee changed its course to appoint an interim head coach at the second meeting held on the 24th due to the tight time until the second series against Thailand. After that, it began the process of appointing an interim head coach, and after the third meeting on the day, it was finally decided to leave the baton to head coach Hwang.
"Coach Hwang Sun-hong is currently a full-time leader of the Korea Football Association, and he showed results with a gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games," said Jung Hae-sung, chairman of the Korea Football Association. "He also has a high understanding of international competition experience and Asian soccer," he said, explaining the background of his appointment. "After reviewing from various angles whether it is difficult for coach Hwang to hold the office at the same time, we decided that there is no problem with the schedule," he added.