Korea Republic head coach assembles 'best team' for friendlies
Seoul: Korea Republic men's football head coach Shin Tae-yong claimed on Monday he has put together his "best team" ahead of two friendly matches next month.
Shin announced his 23-man squad for friendlies which will see Korea Republic, ranked 62nd, host world number 13 Colombia at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon on November 10. Four days later, the Taeguk Warriors will take on 38th-ranked Serbia at Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan.
Among the familiar faces were Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min and Swansea City's Ki Sung-yueng.
FC Seoul's crafty midfielder Lee Myung-joo also made the squad.
"I believe this is the best team I've had as head coach," Shin said.
"I admit we haven't been playing well of late. We have to test ourselves, and we'll try to play good football."
Since Shin took over, Korea Republic played two consecutive scoreless draws in the final Asian qualifying round for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to squeeze into the quadrennial tournament.
They also played two friendlies earlier this month, losing to Russia 4-2 and then to Morocco 3-1.
Shin said he hopes to show fans that there's still life in Korean football.
"We must show people that Korean football isn't dead, and I am trying to put together a team that can do that," the coach said.
"We'll face two World Cup-bound teams, and we'll test ourselves against them."
After the two friendlies, Korea Republic will play at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship in Tokyo against Japan, China and DPR Korea in December.
Shin said he and his players alike must "grow stronger" mentally as next year's World Cup nears.
"Our players have to throw their bodies around and show mental fortitude," Shin said. "If we can't compete with talent, we have to outwork our opponents. We're not the best in the world, but we have to show people the hope that we can get better, one step at a time.
"Since we've accomplished our goal of qualifying for the World Cup, we must play with confidence."
Shin left out veteran forward Lee Dong-gook, who played in the final two World Cup qualifiers and now has 105 caps.
He scored his 200th career goal in the K League Classic for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on Sunday, helping his club to the league championship.
Shin said he had doubts as to whether the 38-year-old would have enough left in his tank to compete at next year's World Cup.
"Lee Dong-gook is a K League legend, and we have to send him off on a high note," he said.
"If he's unable to convert chances in matches at home, he'll bear the brunt of criticism. I just thought I should let him go."
Sources: yonhap.co.kr & Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com
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