Verbeek: Smart Soccer Players Wanted

“Physical strength and a never-say-die sprit alone will not work against stronger teams.”

Pim Verbeek is the new head coach of Korea`s soccer team and a former assistant of Dick Advocaat during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. On June 24 after being eliminated from the tournament by Switzerland in the mixed zone of the Hanover World Cup Stadium, he said, “The gap in ability between Korea and Europe was wide. Now Korea needs new tactics to close the gap.” His remarks were not just an excuse for the elimination but also an expression that he realized shortcomings of the Korean football.

Intelligent and Creative Footballers Needed-

The Korean national team started training August 6 at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Verbeek announced a significant declaration that will transform the system of the Korean football. He said, “We need intelligent and creative football players.” He added, “Footballers, not coaches, are the main players in the game. Players are the ones who choose and decide under the any circumstances during the match. We need players who know what they are doing.”

So far, the watchwords of Korean football have been physical strength and spirit. That worked when they played at home in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan, but didn’t work this time far away from home in the Germany 2006. The Korean squad beat Togo and drew with France. With one win, one draw, and one loss, it brought seemingly successful result. However, experts assessed that the Korean squad played enthusiastically but not effectively and their football seemed amateur. Experts added, “Traditional football powers such as Brazil and France know how to play and react instinctively. In contrast, the Koreans have no idea about how to react according to various situations on the ground so that they become frustrated and failed.”

Players of all positions have to do well in order to reach the Round of 16-

Pim Verbeek, who was on staff during the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, realized the hard fact. He will take charge of the Taegeuk Warriors in the 2008 Olympics and for the longer term, he bears in mind the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In preparation for not just next Olympics but also next World Cups, he determined to turn the current Korean football into “intelligent” one focusing on young and promising players. To that end, smart, young ones are needed. Therefore Verbeek included 28 players age 25 and younger among the 36 players summoned to the NFC. Among them, 20 will play in the qualifying match for the 2007 Asian Cup with the Taiwanese squad on August 16.

KBS commentator Lee Yong-soo made a positive comment, saying, “Verbeek is trying to redefine the Korean team. Players are the main players in the game. Two years are not short. A head coach can really transform a team.”

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-jin who joined the national squad for the first time in his life went back home due to an ankle injury on August 7.

yjongk@donga.com