Coach Hwang Seon-hong Faces Dilemma: Final Roster Announcement Looms

On September 16 last year, the men’s national soccer team’s interim coach, Hwang Seon-hong, spoke to reporters at the Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 before departing for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Coach Hwang faces mounting concerns as the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers approaches. He is set to reveal the list personally on the 11th.

Taking charge after former coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s resignation, Coach Hwang is also overseeing preparations for the A national team’s upcoming games against Thailand. Korean soccer has been facing challenges, with a disappointing performance in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup resulting in Klinsmann’s dismissal due to tactical shortcomings and player conflicts.

Coach Hwang is under pressure to address these issues and prepare the team for upcoming competitions, including the Olympic qualifiers in April. His primary focus is on finalizing the national team roster, leaving his role in shaping the Olympic squad temporarily vacant.

As Coach Hwang aims to strengthen the team’s offensive line, he is closely monitoring players in the K-League, unlike his predecessor who overlooked domestic talent. Several K-League players, including Joo Min-gyu, Lee Seung-woo, and Jeong Ho-yeon, are garnering attention for their recent performances.

The potential inclusion of K-League players in the national team roster is generating interest, with players like Joo Min-gyu and Lee Seung-woo being highlighted for their consistent contributions. Coach Hwang’s hands-on approach to scouting players from the K-League indicates a shift towards a more balanced selection strategy.

Of particular interest is the status of Lee Kang-in, who has been at the center of controversy within the national team. Despite recent displays of skill and teamwork with PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, Lee Kang-in’s selection for the A-match remains contentious due to past conflicts and fan sentiments.

Coach Hwang’s dilemma lies in balancing continuity with the need for change based on past results and current performance trends. With upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Thailand, the national team’s lineup under Coach Hwang’s direction remains a topic of speculation within the football community.