Bento’s confession “Lee Kang-in proved his worth, that’s why he was selected for the World Cup”

[연합]

[헤럴드경제=민성기 기자] Former Korean national soccer team coach Paulo Bento (55) revealed the reason why he did not use Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Coach Bento attended the FC Online YouTube channel via video on the 25th and revealed the story behind the selection of Lee Kang-in.

Coach Bento did not use Lee Kang-in as a key player during his tenure as the Korean national team member. However, it was actively used at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, helping Korea advance to the round of 16 for the first time in 12 years.

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.”

He continued, “Lee Kang-in proved his worth through a change in mindset and performance for his team (Mallorca at the time). It seems that Lee Kang-in himself acknowledged that he needed to change his style, and Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre was also confident in such a change and gave him a chance. “It is,” he added.

At the time when the issue of Lee Kang-in’s selection was an issue, Coach Bento was careful to keep his words to himself for the sake of both Lee Kang-in and the team, but after some time had passed, he revealed the inside story.

In response to coach Bento’s choice, Lee Kang-in helped Korean soccer write a new history by playing in all four games up to the round of 16 against Brazil, including assisting Cho Gyu-sung (Midtjylland)’s goal with a fantastic cross in the second match against Ghana in the World Cup group 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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