Korea

South Korean footballer Park Ji Sung: The national football team lack of unity

Former South Korean football star Park Ji-Sung has insisted on a lack of unity as the factor leading to the struggle of the national team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup campaign.

“People say players tend to be (too) easy-going or divided into different factions but it’s difficult to place the finger of blame on just one problem. Every little problem adds up to big trouble,” the Korea Times quoted Manchester United midfielder.

“The most important thing is that the players must trust each other.”

South Korea are currently occupying the second spot in group A of the 2018 World Cup qualification in Asia, seven points behind Iran, who have already qualified, and one point ahead of Uzbekistan.

German coach Uli Stielike was sacked in June after disastrous winless games, and has been succeeded by Shin Tae-Yong, a former head coach of U-20 national team at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Taeguk Warriors are clinging to the last direct qualifying spot with two remaining crucial games, at home to group winners Iran on August 31, and away to rival contenders Uzbekistan on September 5.