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After Asian Cup exit, S. Korea football coach vows to improve efficiency in attack

January 28, 2019

South Korea national football team head coach Paulo Bento said Monday that he will try to improve efficiency in attack following the team’s elimination from the premier continental tournament.

Bento and national football players returned to South Korea following their disappointing quarterfinal exit at the 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Taeguk Warriors were looking for their first continental crown in 59 years, but their title bid was dashed after losing 1-0 to Qatar in the Asian Cup quarterfinal match on Friday.

“I admit that we didn’t collect a result that we wanted,” Bento said to reporters at Incheon International Airport in Incheon. “But our players did their best to follow my orders and execute tactics.”

South Korea national football team head coach Paulo Bento (C) speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on Jan. 28, 2019, after returning from the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. (Yonhap)

The Asian Cup quarterfinals defeat to Qatar was Bento’s first loss with South Korea since he took over the team in August 2018. South Korea passed the group stage with three straight wins over the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan and China. Bento’s side then beat Bahrain 2-1 in extra time to reach the last eight.

At the 2019 Asian Cup, South Korea dominated ball possession but lacked precision and efficiency in attack. Bento’s team produced only six goals from 78 attempts.

For the future, Bento said he will try to fix the problems raised at the 2019 Asian Cup.

“We need to create more chances and have efficiency in attack,” he said. “Whichever formation we use, we’ll keep our style of play.”

Bento is also tasked with finding replacements for the team’s old guard. After the Asian Cup, Koo Ja-cheol announced his national team retirement, while Ki Sung-yueng and Lee Chung-yong are also expected to make their decisions soon.

While football fans called for a generational shift, Bento said he will not rush such a move.

“If Ki decided to retire from the national team, I’ll have to respect his decision,” he said. “I don’t think a few veterans’ retirements necessarily mean that we have to make a generational shift. But I’ll search for new players since we have lots of matches ahead.”

The national football team will reassemble in March and June for friendly matches before they enter the second round of the AFC matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification in September.

The 49-year-old said his side’s focus has now shifted to the preliminary regional World Cup qualification.

“Now our goal is to do well in the World Cup qualification,” he said. “When results don’t meet expectations, I understand we have to face criticism. But we’ll move forward regardless and continue to perform better.”