Dutchman Guus Hiddink invited to help S. Korea's World Cup squad

By Lim Chang-won Posted : September 26, 2017, 14:33 Updated : September 26, 2017, 14:33

[Yonhap News Photo]


Bowing to pressure from fans, South Korea's football governing body agreed to invite former coach Guus Hiddink, saying his exact position would be decided later through consultations with the Dutchman who led the national team to the 2002 World Cup semifinals.

Kim Ho-gon, head of the Korea Football Association (KFA) technical committee, told reporters that Hiddink would probably assume a supplementary role to help Korean coach Shin Tae-yong.

"We decided to get Hiddink's help for the good performance of our national football team," Kim said, adding he would meet Hiddink to talk about his role when the World Cup squad visits Moscow for a friendly with Russia on October 7.  "We will give a certain position, not a symbolic role."

Hiddink has voiced his desire to play an advisory or another role for South Korea's World Cup squad only if he receives an official KFA request. "As of now, it will be difficult to serve as a national team coach. I think more of an advisory role," the 70-year-old told reporters earlier in Amsterdam.

A recent survey of fans showed that more than 70 percent supported Hiddink as a coach or a technical advisor for the South Korean team which clinched a spot at next year's World Cup. Shin coached the final two matches in Asia's final qualifying round after taking over the helm from Uli Stielike sacked for poor performances.

Due to calls from fans who want Hiddink's comeback, Shin has agonized over his way, Kim said, calling for restraint. He said Shin would retain his job as coach at the World Cup in Russia. "As team coach, I will let him receive a lot of advice from Hiddink."

 
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