Hong Myung-bo, on rumors of discord within the team: "No special issues; if we reach the Round of 32, we will receive applause"

*This content was translated by AI.

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korea national football team, said, "I am surprised why such a performance suddenly emerged," following the shocking defeat against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup qualifiers, which dashed hopes of direct qualification for the Round of 32.

According to NEWS1 on the 26th (Korea time), Coach Hong met with reporters ahead of recovery training at Chivas Valle Verde near Guadalajara, Mexico, reflecting on the shocking loss to South Africa. "As the game did not unfold as we had prepared, the players became impatient. I believe the desire to perform too well also had an impact," he said.

Ranked 25th in the FIFA rankings, South Korea lost 0-1 to South Africa (ranked 60th) in the final Group A match of the tournament held the previous day in Monterrey, Mexico. South Korea would have secured second place in the group and direct qualification for the Round of 32 with just a draw, but the shocking loss to South Africa dropped them to third place. Now, they must compare their results with other third-placed teams and finish among the top eight of the 12 third-placed teams to advance to the Round of 32.

Coach Hong stated, "According to the post-match data, there was no significant overall difference (compared to the Mexico match). In fact, there were more high-intensity movements. Although the data shows no major difference, it may have appeared slower or as if players were not running. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for the poor performance."

Regarding rumors of discord within the team raised by some, he said, "I do not believe there is any dissonance or problem within the squad."

Coach Hong added, "I am the type to be sensitive to such matters, but to my knowledge, there are no special issues. The team atmosphere for this tournament is quite good. Still, I will look into it further."

The coach continued, "We must rebuild the team in any way possible. If we achieve good results in the Round of 32, the players will be able to receive applause. I am not sure if we will have one more match, but we will prepare well."

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*This content was translated by AI.