Hong Myung-bo, the new head coach of the men’s national football team of South Korea, on Monday stressed the importance of speed for his players.

Ahead of the opening of a youth camp in Siheung, southwest of Seoul, Hong told reporters that South Korean players should make the most of their superior speed at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

“They must remember one of the strengths of South Korean football has been the high speed,” he said. “If we can capitalize on that as we go on counterattacks, it could really work to our advantage.”

During his first press conference last week, Hong said he wanted his team to play a “Korean style” of football, applying pressure on ball carriers on defense and maintaining edge in ball possession on offense.

Hong on Monday predicted South Korea will most likely draw stronger opponents at the World Cup and said only the strong defense and quick counterattacks can carry the underdog nation to victories.

“As possession football has gained popularity of late, there has been a tendency to overlook the importance of speed,” Hong said. “Our national team will need to utilize speed while increasing ball possession at the same time.”

Hong also highlighted the importance of organization on defense and pointed to Brazil’s resounding 3-0 win over Spain at the Confederations Cup final earlier Monday. (Yonhap News)