Advocaat’s Challenge: Low Team Morale

“I think you will ask me about the weather,” Advocaat (photo) said jokingly to the Korean reporters at Leverkusen training field in Germany. The unpredictability of Scottish weather had been a frequent subject of the questions asked by Korean reporters. Public opinions have been favorable toward Advocaat since he came on board last October. Bringing up the confidence level of the athletes was the biggest of his achievement so far. “The athletes were not confident of themselves; building up their confidence was the most pressing need for the Korean team,” said Advocaat. His method of choice was positive reinforcement. Advocaat praised his players frequently.

The mood of team turned around when it scored the first victory against Iran after Advocaat’s arrival. The team left for Scotland with a favorable score of nine wins, two draws, and three losses. Team morale suffered, however, when the team recorded a draw against Norway, and a loss against Ghana in subsequent warm-up matches. Advocaat asked his assistant coach Hong Myung-bo and the team captain Lee Wun-jae to try calming down the nerves of the squad members.

Advocaat has been working hard to enhance the confidence level of the players. But thanks to odd timing, the morale of the squad has hit a low point. Advocaat’s greatest challenge lies ahead.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com