In an interview with Yonhap News on the 4th, Son Woong-jung expressed concern over the rising expectations for winning the Asian Cup, saying, “To be honest, we should not win (in the Asian Cup finals) this time if we think about the future of Korean soccer.” South Korea, which is trying to win the Asian Cup for the first time in 64 years since 1960, is considered the strongest team ever with several world-class players, including Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain).
However, Son claimed that there is a big gap between Korea and Japan in terms of objective performance. “Korea is no match for Japan (in terms of players’ individual capabilities),” Son said. “Korean soccer players, including myself, should reflect on the fact that they have not won the Asian Cup (for the past 64 years). Winning the title at a time when they are lagging behind Japan in all aspects, including skills and investment, will rather not be helpful to Korean soccer.”
South Korea and Japan are the two wings and biggest rivals of Asian soccer. They also advanced to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, many overseas experts rank Japan as the top contender. Unlike South Korea, which has not won in 64 years, Japan has won three Asian Cups since the 2000s, and was runner-up once. 바카라사이트
“Personally, I desperately want Korea to win the championship,” coach Sohn Woong-jung said. “But if you win the championship when you are not prepared enough, you will be intoxicated with the result (ignoring change) and worry about it. I am worried that the Korean soccer will get sick.” “No matter how much you lead Japan with your empty skills, it is nothing but deceiving yourself.”
When asked if he still thinks Son is not in the world class, Son said, “Please don’t touch his last name. Heungmin is definitely not in the world class.” Last year, Son scored his 100th career goal in the Premier League and his 200th career goal in the European league. He has continued to rank among the top three in the Premier League this season by scoring 12 goals. However, Son insists that he has not reached the world class.