‘Golden Boy’ Lee Kang-in’s (22-PSG) Asian Games call-up is a complicated one.
On Thursday, head coach Hwang Sun-hong announced the final 22-man roster for the Hangzhou Asian Games in September. The roster features a number of former national team members, including Baek Seung-ho, Park Jin-seop (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Seol Young-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), three wild cards, Jung Woo-young (Stuttgart), Hong Hyun-seok (Ghent), Uhm Won-sang (Ulsan), Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk), Ko Young-joon (Pohang Steelers), Cho Young-wook (Gimcheon Commerce), and Park Kyu-hyun (Dynamo Dresden).
Of course, there was Lee Kang-in’s name. Hwang announced his intention to select Lee early on. “He’s been playing a lot on the flanks lately, and I think he’s showing very good form. I have a plan in my head. I think the key will be his competitiveness in other positions. First of all, we have some time in September, so we will communicate enough to let Lee Kang-in play in the position he plays well and likes.”
The Asian Games are not organized by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Players are not obligated to play in the Asian Games, so they have to get their clubs’ approval. Hwang contacted Lee’s former team, Mallorca, and got their approval. But there was a catch. Lee has found a new home at PSG. The Korean Football Association is currently in talks with PSG about the transfer. “We are in communication with Lee Kang-in. His willingness to play is quite strong. We have finished coordinating with Mallorca, but he has transferred, so he has to coordinate with a new team. It’s not finalized yet.”
For now, Hwang is optimistic that Lee will be called up. “We don’t have a 100% confirmation yet, but the negotiations are going positively. Above all, the athlete’s will is strong. If he wins a gold medal at the Asian Games, he will be eligible for military service. This is very important for Lee, who will have to continue his career in Europe. Lee is old enough to compete in the Paris Olympics next year, but it’s easier to win an Asian Games gold medal than an Olympic medal. That’s why he wants to compete in the Asian Games so badly. The Asian Cup in January next year could be a factor, but it’s likely that he’ll be able to make the adjustment. 토토사이트
Hwang is more concerned about the A team. From September 4 to 12 is the A match period set by FIFA. The A team, led by Jürgen Klinsmann, will travel to Europe during this period. The second leg against Mexico was canceled, but a match against Wales was scheduled for the 7th. The KFA is eager to find a second opponent as soon as possible. Hwang plans to call up the Asian Games squad during the A-Match to build up the organization. He will also call up the squad for the All-Star break in July, but the September A-Match will be the last chance to train with a full European squad before the tournament.
The problem is that Klinsmann is likely to start Lee Kang-in. Lee has been the ace of the attacking line since Klinsmann took over. He was the lone bright spot in the June A match when ‘captain’ Son Heung-min (Tottenham) was injured. Klinsmann will be looking for