Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Canberra: Korea Republic coach Uli Stielike is in confident mood ahead of his side's AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 opener against Oman on Saturday insisting that the tie at Canberra Stadium is theirs to lose. Click here for Stielike's flash interview
Despite a continental title drought that now runs to 55 years since Korea last lifted the Asian championship, the German, who took over following the Taeguk Warriors 2014 FIFA World Cup group stage exit, dismissed any talk of pressure on his side, believing they will have too much for their West Asian opponents.
In particular, Stielike pointed to Korea’s encouraging second-half display in their 2-0 friendly victory over three-time AFC Asian Cup champions Saudi Arabia last Sunday at Parramatta Stadium as an indicator of the performance his side can replicate.
“The Saudi Arabia game was very good for us. Although in the first half we had problems, I am sure that if we play in the same spirit on Saturday against Oman as we did in the second half of that game, I have no doubt there will only be one winner,” said Stielike.
“We have to respect all teams, but I give priority to my team and players. If we know what we want, why we are there on the field, then we don’t fear any opponent we face.
“Everything within the team running very well, we have no injuries, and everybody is ready to be in the line-up tomorrow (Saturday), it’s a good situation for me as the coach.”
Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is set to captain the 2011 semi-finalists for the first time and Stielike further revealed that he had already decided on the line-up for the opening fixture, although without naming the starting 11.
“The players already know who will play because it is important in training that each player knows where they have to be on the field and how they have play,” said Stielike.
“It is usual in my work and style, that the players always know at least one day before a game.”
Victory on Saturday would also go some way to beginning to heal the hurt of their disappointing World Cup campaign in which the former semi-finalists crashed out in Brazil after defeats against Algeria and Belgium followed a draw with Russia.
“We are working to change that atmosphere around Korean football from tomorrow (Saturday) onwards. What happened at the World Cup we cannot change. Brazil is passed. We have learnt and now look forward,” added Stielike.
“We have to show good confidence for our supporters at home. We want to bring this team not only to the Korean people’s television screens but also into their hearts, and the only way to do this is with good football.
“We want to play good football with good quality but with these two things we also need to start getting good results – starting from tomorrow (Saturday).”
Photo: WSG