The coach of the Korea U23 national team stated at a press conference that winning the gold medal at the Asian Games is their objective, according to reports.

On the 14th, at a press conference for the men's soccer group stage of the 2026 Aichi Nagoya Asian Games held at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium in Nagoya, the Korea U23 national team coach stated: "We came here to win the gold medal at the Asian Games. From our pre-match training camp in Shizuoka to our arrival in Nagoya, training has gone very well. All preparations are complete." The Korea team will face Qatar in their group stage opener at this stadium on the 15th at 7:30 p.m.

Korea achieved three consecutive titles at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held in 2023. This tournament marks Korea's first major competition following the 2026 North and Central America World Cup group stage elimination and the subsequent crisis that followed.

One week after their opener against Qatar, on the 22nd, Korea will face Saudi Arabia in their group stage second match at the same stadium. A total of 15 countries are participating in this tournament's men's soccer competition. Groups A through C each consist of 4 teams, while Group D, which Korea belongs to, comprises 3 teams. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.

The Korea U23 national team coach also stated: "We are prepared for both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. After tomorrow's match, we will watch and continue analyzing the Saudi Arabia versus Qatar match on the 18th."

For the World Cup, the Korea U23 national team coach called up three over-age players (23 and older): Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Om Ji-son (Swansea City), and center back Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon). Many attacking players, including Baek Jun-ho (Stoke City), Lee Yong-jun (Rangers), Yang Min-hyeok (Westerlo), Park Su-son (Newcastle United), and Kim Myong-jun (Genk), also play for European clubs. Lee Yong-jun has not yet joined the team.

The Korea U23 national team coach continued: "My contract also expires after this tournament. When it ends, I will leave the national team. From when we gathered in Cheonan until today, precisely because there is no turning back, each day has felt especially precious. Tomorrow's match against Qatar and all matches that follow—I will give my all with that sense of importance."

Finally, when asked about the weather in Nagoya, which has been hit by record rainfall ahead of the tournament, the Korea U23 national team coach stated: "It was also raining during our training in Shizuoka. If tomorrow becomes a 'water battle,' I believe it will work in our favor. The players are also very confident and feel that training has gone well."

AI翻訳。

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