Hong Myung-bo tells South Korea players to enjoy World Cup, not dwell on 2002 glory

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team, is leading his squad into their second World Cup campaign with a confident outlook. He believes the players' extensive experience in European leagues has equipped them to face the global stage without fear, a significant shift from his own playing days.

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The players these days play a lot in Europe, so they no longer have fear of the world stage.

"The players these days play a lot in Europe, so they no longer have fear of the world stage," Hong stated in a FIFA interview. He emphasized that this increased confidence, coupled with strong team trust, can foster the growth of the team into a formidable force, moving beyond mere upsets to becoming a consistent contender.

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I want them to approach the World Cup with the mindset that it is a stage to truly enjoy.

Reflecting on his own experience as captain of the 2002 World Cup semi-finalist team, Hong expressed a desire for his current players to achieve similar success. However, he consciously avoids dwelling on the past, stating, "I don't tell the players about 2002." Instead, he focuses on realistic preparations and encourages them to embrace the World Cup as a stage to be enjoyed rather than a burden of past glories. "I want them to approach the World Cup with the mindset that it is a stage to truly enjoy," he said.

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Fighting spirit is an important part of our World Cup preparation, and it's a crucial task we must continue to build within the team's atmosphere.

Hong identified 'fighting spirit' as a core strength of the South Korean team, a quality he aims to continuously cultivate. He also voiced his expectations for captain Son Heung-min, hoping he can perform well without excessive pressure. While acknowledging the weight of captaincy, Hong assured that he is working to alleviate some of that burden. Ultimately, he stressed that the team's strength lies not in individual stars but in the collective power of its players, a philosophy he believes will be crucial for their competitiveness in the upcoming tournament.

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We can become stronger when the strength of many players is combined, rather than relying on the strength of one player.