Juergen Klinsmann Praises South Korean Players for Establishing Themselves in European Leagues

South Korea‘s national team coach, Juergen Klinsmann, commended the success of several South Korean players who have made their mark in top European leagues during a press conference. Klinsmann emphasized the significant growth and improvement of Asian football over the past decade, attributing it to the opportunities provided to Asian players in Europe.

Klinsmann pointed out the achievements of South Korea captain Son Heung-min and forward Hwang Hee-chan, who are currently playing in the Premier League. The duo has collectively scored 22 goals this season. Additionally, he highlighted the moves of Lee Kang-in to Paris St Germain and Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich as examples of the progress made by Asian players in Europe.

The German coach stressed the challenges and adjustments that come with moving to a different country, such as adapting to new cultures, languages, and football styles. Klinsmann acknowledged the accomplishments of players like Hwang and Son, emphasizing the courage and dedication required to succeed in a new environment.

As a coach with experience managing Germany and the United States, Klinsmann aims to end South Korea’s 64-year trophy drought in the upcoming Asian Cup. He recognized the rise of Asian football by highlighting notable upsets in previous World Cups, including Japan defeating Germany, Saudi Arabia beating Argentina, and South Korea overcoming Portugal.

Klinsmann expressed his privilege in coaching the South Korean team and praised their qualities, asserting that the team has the potential to reach the final of the Asian Cup. He expressed his desire to win the tournament, emphasizing that this team possesses the necessary skills to achieve this feat.

Hwang, who has become a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, dismissed concerns about fatigue among Europe-based players due to the intensity of top-tier leagues. He mentioned that players from the K League, which recently concluded, also contribute to the national team and that their focus is solely on achieving positive results for South Korea.