National soccer team names assistant coaches

The local governing body of football on Thursday named four assistant coaches for the senior national team.

The Korea Football Association said Choi Duck-joo, the former head coach of the women’s U17 team, will be the senior assistant alongside head coach Choi Kang-hee.

Two assistants will be Shin Hong-ki, formerly with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the domestic K-League, and Park Choong-kyun, the ex-coach of the K-League’s Ulsan Hyundai FC.

The KFA said Kim Pung-ju, once a goalkeeper coach for the men’s U20 squad, will serve in the same role for the senior team.

These moves complete the overhaul of the national team bench.

Cho Kwang-rae was fired as head coach last month following South Korea’s upset 2-1 loss to Lebanon in November during the ongoing regional World Cup qualification. Cho’s three assistants all left the team as well.

Choi Duck-joo coached South Korea to the championship at the 2010 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. It was the country’s first crown at a FIFA-sanctioned tournament.

Of no relation to Choi Kang-hee, Choi Duck-joo has been known for his analytical mind and for his motivational skills.

“I think Choi will make the most of his soft leadership to connect with players,” Choi Kang-hee said. “He will be the bridge between other coaches and players.”

Choi Kang-hee had been on the Jeonbuk bench with Shin for five years. Calling Shin a long-time friend, Choi said, “I believe he will quickly pick up on what I want to do on the national team and will be a great supporter by my side.”

Choi added Kim, who has coached goalkeepers on many junior teams, brings a ton of international experience as “one of the most knowledgeable coaches about current national keepers.”

South Korea hosts Kuwait in Seoul on Feb. 29 in a crucial qualification match. If South Korea wins or ties, it advances. But if the team loses and Lebanon beats or draws the United Arab Emirates in its Group B action, then South Korea will be eliminated.

South Korea is seeking its eighth straight World Cup appearance and ninth overall. 

(Yonhap News)