Current United Arab Emirates soccer team coach Paulo Bento (55), who led Korea’s advancement to the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, said that Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) was not the type of player he wanted at the time.
In an interview published on FC Online YouTube on the 25th, Coach Bento revealed the reason why he selected Lee Kang-in, whom he had ignored during his time as a Korean soccer coach, to the World Cup.
He said, “Everyone will agree. No one can refute the fact that Lee Kang-in’s talent is outstanding, whether it is fans, coaches, staff, or media.” He added, “Directors and coaching staff need more analysis than that. They should not judge based on talent alone. “He said.
He then recalled, “Type 10 players like Lee Kang-in mainly thought about attack and did not consider defense. To be honest, it was right before the World Cup when Lee Kang-in was added to the World Cup list.”
He said, “If I were to say that I am confident in Lee Kang-in’s World Cup selection, that would not be an honest answer. The important reason why I put Lee Kang-in on the list is because Lee Kang-in has changed.”
Bento said, “Lee Kang-in has proven himself through a change in mindset and performance in Mallorca. He has become a completely different player in Mallorca.” He added, “The two important people who led his change are himself and club coach Javier Aguirre. Lee Kang-in has his own style. “It seems like they have acknowledged that they need to change, and Coach Aguirre must have given them confidence in that change,” he said.
He added, “The performances we showed at the training ground and training camp were able to lead to good results on the World Cup stage.”
Regarding Korea, which was eliminated in the semifinals of the last Asian Cup, he said, “Although we are on a different team now, we are always watching the Korean team.” He added, “The fact that they lost to Jordan in the Asian Cup and did not advance to the final is something that always happens in soccer. “So, I have to keep it as a good experience,” he said.
He also said, “We shouldn’t put too much pressure on the players,” and added, “They will be playing for their country and team more than anyone else.”
Currently, the Korea Football Association dismissed coach Klinsmann in February and is looking for a new coach. Regarding this, Coach Bento said, “I hope the association resolves the problem quickly,” and added, “I am confident that teaching good Korean players and living in Korea will be enjoyable.”
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