Korea is currently ranking second in Group E. It is tied with Jordan with four points, one win, one draw, and two goals each, but fell behind in goal difference. It is eclipsing the top spot in its group with a win in the final match against Malaysia.
"The group is quite tight. We don't know how the ranking will be, so we expect a difficult match," Klinsmann told an official press conference a day before the match. "We need to bring good results. It was enough homework and I finished analyzing it. I want to wrap up the group stage well even in a difficult situation."
The final match results and ranking will determine the opponent team for the round of 16. They can also meet tough teams such as Japan and Saudi Arabia. "It's not true at all and I don't want to avoid any team," Klinsmann said strongly about the rumor that Korea is trying to meet them.
"I will focus on each and every game. Malaysia has improved after losing its first game. I want to show that we are a team that can advance to the round of 16 by just looking at the immediate game. The next opponent will talk about it later. Both the first and final games are difficult. All teams have motivation. I will only look at the victory while respecting the opponent."
On the part that his performance has not improved compared to his expectations, Klinsmann said, "It is difficult to meet the expectations from the start when expectations are high. He will continue to improve. I think his performance will improve as he wins. He needs to improve in many areas. That is a positive part. I want to show how I have improved as a team as well. I want to show what I have expected in the last game as well."
He also expressed his opinion on Son, who is lacking performance due to intensive economy. "It is natural that he is kept in check. That is because it is Son. In any team, if Son grabs a ball, two or three people catch it. The same goes for Lee Kang-in. But he knows how to deal with it. Son can move to the right and left sides. Strong blocking of players like Son and Lee Kang-in will continue to play until the end of the tournament. The more games we play, the better we will be."
Malaysia is led by head coach Kim Pan-gon, who knows Korea well. "Malaysia showed completely different sides in the first and second matches. The second match was a tight race. It was regrettable as the team lost a point in the last minute. Kim Pan-gon's leadership will surely help. He knows the national team players well, including Cho Hyun-woo. But the important thing is how we prepare. We will revive our tempo and rhythm from the start," he said.
Korea is having difficulties defending its side backs. Lee Ki-je was sidelined due to an injury, and Kim Jin-soo recently returned to training. "Of course, there will be changes, but that will be confirmed tomorrow at the stadium. Cho Hyun-woo will start (laughs)," Klinsmann said to wrap up the press conference.
먹튀검증