Guadalajara (Mexico), June 15 (EFE).- Han Doug Hyun, mental performance coach of the South Korean team, praised this Monday the psychological strength of Mexico, the second rival of the Asians in this World Cup.
“They don’t look cocky with the emotion of having won the first game, nor are they saying that they will definitely win the second, but rather they seem busy with how to prepare for this game, they are exactly in that state of balance,” Deock-Hyun said at a press conference.
South Korea is preparing to face the host in Guadalajara next Thursday in a match in which the winner will be the sole leader of group A, in which the Czech Republic and South Africa also compete.
“Both our coaching staff and the players are also preparing in a great way to meet the objectives: advance as we prepare, doing what we always do,” he assured.
After the 2-1 victory in their debut against the Czech Republic, beating Tri is the second objective of the ‘Taegeuk Warriors’ to secure their chances of qualifying for the round of 32.
The need to have a mental performance coach on the team was the idea of coach Hong Myung-bo, with the aim of strengthening the preparation of his players, mainly those who are in a World Cup for the first time.
Han Doug Hyun works every day alongside the coaching staff to improve the psychological aspect and contribute to the physical health of the players, which will help physical performance by forging a “fighting spirit and bravery” mentality.
This Monday the Korean team had a practice open to the press focused on set pieces. Shortly before, the coaching staff carried out the tactical analysis session supported by videos, as they usually do since the concentration began.
The coach awaits the recovery of striker Oh Hyeon-gyu and midfielder Jun-Ho Bae, who in the last two days have worked separately to recover from an ankle injury.
South Korea will have a closed-door practice this Tuesday and will hold a press conference on Wednesday prior to the match against Mexico. EFE
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