South Korea's mental coach sees a 'team that can do it,' enjoying the game

The South Korean national football team is a "team that can do it" and is playing with a sense of enjoyment, according to the team's mental coach, Han Deok-hyun, a professor of psychiatry at Chung-Ang University. Han, who joined the team as staff for the first time in this World Cup to manage players' mental health, believes this approach is crucial for preventing physical problems that can arise from severe psychological stress.

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Hong Myung-bo's team is a team that can do it.

Han's confidence in coach Hong Myung-bo's team stems from observing their preparations. "I don't know how the outside world evaluates Hong Myung-bo's team, but I have confidence after watching what they have prepared," he said. "The players' psychology is currently very stable. They are not excited about winning the first match and are preparing for the second." He described this state as "preparing for and enjoying the game" in sports psychology.

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I don't know how the outside world evaluates Hong Myung-bo's team, but I have confidence after watching what they have prepared.

The coach emphasized the meticulous nature of the coaching staff's meetings, which he attends to oversee player psychology. "They prepare so perfectly," Han stated. "They prepared for every scenario before the match against the Czech Republic, including strategy, tactics, and psychological readiness, which made the comeback victory possible." He noted that the team is breaking conventional wisdom, with debutant players showing no signs of pressure or unfamiliarity with new stadiums.

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The players' psychology is currently very stable. They are not excited about winning the first match and are preparing for the second.

Han specifically praised Lee Ki-hyuk, who debuted in the World Cup against the Czech Republic. "He didn't seem nervous at all, even though it was his World Cup debut and the first match," Han said. "When I first met him, he showed no tension. It's normal to be nervous, but he didn't show it, perhaps because he's from the new generation." Regarding the upcoming match against host nation Mexico, Han expressed no concern about the home crowd's support. "When I asked the players if they would be intimidated playing in front of so many home fans, they reassured me, saying, 'Don't worry.' Players who compete in Europe have already experienced this sufficiently and seem unfazed by large crowds."

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They prepare so perfectly.