'From the sorrow of relegation to explosive determination': Hwang Hee-chan vows to 'go all out' at the World Cup. "Should I play well because of my transfer? I don't think that way..." [On the ground in Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hwang Hee-chan (30, Wolverhampton Wanderers) has declared his intention to redeem himself on the third World Cup stage, leaving behind the pain of his club's relegation. His resolve is to break through head-on with complete dedication and determination toward the South Korean national team, channeling the regrets of the past two seasons.

The South Korean national football team conducted its fourth-day schedule on the 7th (local time) at Chivas Valle Verde, the base camp training ground in Guadalajara, Mexico. Under the command of coach Hong Myung-bo, the team took a rest on the first day after arriving in Guadalajara, followed by a community training session on the second day, which invited local Mexican fans under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Subsequently, the training on the third and fourth days was conducted in the same manner as during previous A-match periods: only the first 15 minutes were open to the media before switching to closed sessions to focus intensively on tactical refinement.

Before the training, Hwang Hee-chan met with the press, expressing a resolve more distinct than ever before. Hwang stated, "I am honored to stand on the glorious stage of the third World Cup. I will focus entirely on every training session and match to contribute to the team. I will do my utmost to achieve good results at the World Cup."

There is reason for this. Just before the World Cup, Hwang Hee-chan experienced the trial of his club, Wolverhampton, being relegated to the bottom of the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL). His determination is to completely shed the regrets and sorrow from his club performance on this World Cup stage.

In reality, Hwang Hee-chan has gone through a difficult period on the Premier League stage recently. He appeared in 26 EPL matches this season, managing only two goals and two assists, failing to prevent his team's relegation. In the preceding 2024-2025 season, he also left a sense of regret with two goals in 21 matches. Compared to the intense impact he had during the 2023-2024 season, where he recorded 12 goals and three assists in 29 matches, reaching a career high and dominating the English stage, his recent statistics are clearly underwhelming.

However, Hwang Hee-chan has always been strong in major matches and is a player capable of delivering a decisive moment. Having gained experience by playing three matches at his first World Cup, the 2018 Russia World Cup, Hwang scored a dramatic winning goal against Portugal in the final group stage match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, despite not being in full physical condition due to a hamstring injury, leading to a 2-1 victory. Hwang Hee-chan, who became a hero leading South Korea to its second-ever away round of 16 appearance, also demonstrated sharp attacking prowess in the subsequent match against Brazil, proving his strength in big games.

Regarding the memory of the Portugal match, Hwang Hee-chan added, "If such a dramatic scene were to happen again, it would be a very good situation for the team and the entire country. I hope decisive moments occur in every match. To that end, I am communicating extensively with my teammates. I will refine our tactics well to ensure we show good performances in every match."

This tournament also features a matchup against his club teammates. Hwang Hee-chan said, "I even met Raul Jimenez during my last match with my club and we already exchanged words. We are very close friends. Before coming here, we often joked with each other, saying 'We will win.' We also discussed how each of us performed in the final qualifiers. Jimenez is a very smart player, and my club's coaching staff relies heavily on him tactically as a key resource, so we must definitely be cautious. He is undoubtedly an excellent player, but the South Korean national team also has many good resources. I will convey the characteristics of Jimenez that I know to my teammates so that we can definitely win the match."

He also mentioned Radislav Krejci, a key defender for the Czech Republic and his club teammate. Hwang Hee-chan said, "He is one of my closest players. We always eat together and talk a lot. Even before coming here, we often joked with each other, saying 'We will win.' We also discussed how each of us performed in the final qualifiers. Krejci is a very smart player, and my club's coaching staff relies heavily on him tactically as a key resource, so we must definitely be cautious. He is undoubtedly an excellent player, but the South Korean national team also has many good resources. I will convey the characteristics of Krejci that I know to my teammates so that we can definitely win the match."

His physical condition is perfect to exploit the Czech Republic's weakness in the space behind their defense. Hwang Hee-chan stated, "I have no pain anywhere right now. My physical condition is 100%. Personally, my fitness is very good. It is the same for other players as well."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "We hold daily meetings to analyze the Czech Republic's strength in detail. The World Cup is a stage where results must prove everything, and especially the first match is the most important. Just as it was in Qatar, I will create both good performance and results in the first match."

Drawing a line against transfer rumors or personal ambitions that could be raised by some, he promised dedication solely to Oh Jik (CEO). Hwang Hee-chan said, "I do not think about playing well for Wi Hae (CEO) because of a transfer. Whenever I come to the national team, I always set aside personal ambitions and myself to play. Every time I dedicate myself to the team, the results have always been good, and I have done so well until now. This time, I only want to be of great help to the team. Not only me, but all the players of the national team are preparing with the same sincere heart. We will focus all our attention on playing well in the three group stage matches."

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*This content was translated by AI.