“If you just call me… .”
As the anxiety surrounding the Hangzhou Asian Games gradually faded, the invisible competition among the players began. FC Seoul’s representative defender Lee Han-beom and midfielder Baek Sang-hun (21) are also the same.
Those who recently met in Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, a training ground in Seoul, said in unison, “We are not yet sure whether to be selected or not, but if we are selected, we must do our best to aim for the gold medal.”
The Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China in September, are attracting attention as a stage that determines the future of Korean soccer.
It is the anticipation for a new face that comes out every four years, following the 2014 Incheon Games and the 2018 Jakarta and Palembang Games. If they win a gold medal at the Asian Games with special benefits for military service, a new generation can emerge that connects Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Kim Min-jae (Naples).
Hwang Seon-hong, coach of the Asian Games national team, has also begun to work on finding a new face in earnest as the age limit for this tournament, which was postponed for one year due to Corona 19, was confirmed as being born in 1999.
Lee Han-beom and Baek Sang-hoon are in an advantageous position in that they are ‘experienced’ who were called to the national team in the past. Lee Han-beom said, “I know what kind of defense the coach wants. He will show you a stable and tough defense,” he said. Baek Sang-hoon said, “I know that players with clear colors work. I will take my place as an active box-to-box midfielder.”
However, their experience does not guarantee a ticket to Hangzhou. 보증놀이터 With more than half a year left until the opening of the tournament, he must prove his competitiveness in the place where he plays. It is not easy to fight for a seat with older brothers who are 3 years older than themselves.
Lee Han-beom was unable to continue his upward trend due to a knee injury last year, so he desperately needs a change. Lee Han-bum built up his body through weight training throughout the winter. He said, “If the Asian Games hadn’t been postponed for a year, I wouldn’t have been able to participate at all.”
Baek Sang-hoon must overcome the fierce competition for starting positions in Seoul. He is sweating hard to get a chance to play, which was reduced from his debut season last year, his second year. Baek Sang-hoon said, “I tried to fill in the missing parts. This year, I want to leave an impact properly. Then, the selection of the national team and the way to the gold medal will be opened.”