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Coaches trade verbal jabs ahead of World Cup qualifier
By Korea HeraldPublished : June 14, 2013 - 19:23
The buildup to the key World Cup qualifier next week between South Korea and Iran has taken on a hostile vibe as the two head coaches have been engaging in a verbal war all week.
Choi Kang-hee, the South Korean head coach, fired the first salvo on Tuesday. South Korea defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 at home, and at the postmatch news conference, Choi was asked to look ahead to the match against Iran the following week.
In the countries’ previous showdown in Tehran last October, Iran prevailed 1-0 in a contest where tempers flared, and the home side played most of the second half a man down after a hard foul.
Before that game, South Koreans claimed that they also had some administrative problems, such as late issuing of visas and getting assigned subpar practice facilities.
At the time, Choi, frustrated with the situation, told South Korean reporters that the Iranians should be forced to train at a municipal park by the Han River in Seoul when they visit in 2013.
On Tuesday, Choi insisted his players still remember the “poor treatment” they received in Iran, and said, “I think we must give them pain.”
Choi quipped that he would rather advance to the World Cup with Uzbekistan than Iran.
“To be honest, at this moment, I dislike Iran a bit more,” the coach said, drawing laughter from the audience.
On Wednesday, Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of Iran, said the comments were “shameful” and demanded Choi apologize to the Iranians.
“He disrespected Iranian footballers and coaches,” the Portuguese native said.
“He is discontent that his team was not treated well in Iran, but I should say that we provided them the best facility.”
Queiroz also accused South Korea of not playing its best against Uzbekistan, and added, “I will buy an Uzbek uniform and give it to Choi as a present.”
Informed of these comments, Choi said he was surprised Queiroz, who has coached Real Madrid and has served as an assistant on Manchester United, has “learned only strange things” from the world’s top clubs.
“Football is not politics; it’s just a sport,” Choi said. “I’d just like to say Queiroz will be watching the World Cup next year on television at his home in Portugal.” (Yonhap News)
Choi Kang-hee, the South Korean head coach, fired the first salvo on Tuesday. South Korea defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 at home, and at the postmatch news conference, Choi was asked to look ahead to the match against Iran the following week.
In the countries’ previous showdown in Tehran last October, Iran prevailed 1-0 in a contest where tempers flared, and the home side played most of the second half a man down after a hard foul.
Before that game, South Koreans claimed that they also had some administrative problems, such as late issuing of visas and getting assigned subpar practice facilities.
At the time, Choi, frustrated with the situation, told South Korean reporters that the Iranians should be forced to train at a municipal park by the Han River in Seoul when they visit in 2013.
On Tuesday, Choi insisted his players still remember the “poor treatment” they received in Iran, and said, “I think we must give them pain.”
Choi quipped that he would rather advance to the World Cup with Uzbekistan than Iran.
“To be honest, at this moment, I dislike Iran a bit more,” the coach said, drawing laughter from the audience.
On Wednesday, Carlos Queiroz, the head coach of Iran, said the comments were “shameful” and demanded Choi apologize to the Iranians.
“He disrespected Iranian footballers and coaches,” the Portuguese native said.
“He is discontent that his team was not treated well in Iran, but I should say that we provided them the best facility.”
Queiroz also accused South Korea of not playing its best against Uzbekistan, and added, “I will buy an Uzbek uniform and give it to Choi as a present.”
Informed of these comments, Choi said he was surprised Queiroz, who has coached Real Madrid and has served as an assistant on Manchester United, has “learned only strange things” from the world’s top clubs.
“Football is not politics; it’s just a sport,” Choi said. “I’d just like to say Queiroz will be watching the World Cup next year on television at his home in Portugal.” (Yonhap News)
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Articles by Korea Herald
