Korea's focus switches from Klinsmann to Lee
Paris Saint-Germain's South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in eyes the ball during a training session in Poissy, west of Paris, Monday, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 clash against Borussia Dortmund. AFP-Yonhap
By John Duerden
Another week, another issue in South Korean soccer. First, the controversy over Jurgen Klinsmann has died down a little. The national team coach had come under increasing criticism for poor results and spending more time outside the country than in it since his appointment in February.
A 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in England brought the German a first win in his sixth game on Sep.12. This then saw him change plans and head back to East Asia rather than staying in Europe or heading back to his home in California.
The former United States coach likely changed his plans due to the mounting criticism at home as well as due to pressure from the Korea Football Association (KFA). "The KFA said there's a lot of media waiting normally for the team when they come back home. And so I said, 'No problem. I can switch plans,'" Klinsmann said upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport.
He then appealed for those fans who have been up in arms about the perceived lack of commitment from the coach to get behind the Taeguk Warriors as they prepare for the Asian Cup in January. “It's vital that everybody builds a positive spirit. The fans, the media and the team, obviously," he said. "If it doesn't go well, there is enough time to criticize or fire the coach or do whatever you want to. But in the buildup to a tournament, a national team especially needs the help of the fans and the media to believe in it and to build a positive momentum."
For now, the attention moves to the 2022 Asian Games, the tournament taking place a year later than planned due to China's strict lockdown policies last year. This is always a big deal in Korea as the Under-23 competition (Under-24 this time around due to the timing) offers a great chance for gold and also exemption from 18-21 months of military service that players would otherwise have to start by the time they are 28.
Back in 2018, there was a huge worldwide focus on Son Heung-min who was approaching the time when he had to return home to enlist. It was the last chance to gain exemption and he was released by his club Tottenham Hotspur to compete in Indonesia. In the end, Son led the team to gold and he was able to head back to the English Premier League where he remains to this day.
This time the attention is mostly on Lee Kang-in. The 22-year-old midfielder joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but has been struggling with an injury. Last week the French powerhouse decided to allow the talented star to head to China without any preconditions (as this is not an official FIFA tournament, clubs are under no obligation to release players but PSG, like Tottenham five years ago, understands that it is in its best interest to let Lee go).
He may not play any part in the group stage but should be ready for the Round of 16 that will kick off on Sep.27, assuming that Korea makes it that far which it really should. A third goal medal in a row would be a great prize for the roster of young players and would also free them from military duty to focus on their soccer careers.