Director Hong Myung-bo's launch of the East Asian Cup Important competition for the future, DF evaluation opportunities

Jul 06, 2025

Director Hong Myung-bo's launch of the East Asian Cup Important competition for the future, DF evaluation opportunities
◇photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association



Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the national soccer team, threw his hat into the ring for the third consecutive time at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship (hereinafter referred to as the East Asian Cup) in 2025.

Coach Hong said at the official press conference of the tournament held at Yongin Mir Stadium on the 6th, `Although each team may face different situations, they are all important competitions for the present and the future. It's not going to be easy, but I'll do my best to get good results in every game."

In the competition, which began in 2003, South Korea has won the title five times and has the most championship status. It will meet China, Hong Kong, and Japan in turn in this competition held in Korea. As it was not subject to FIFA convocation regulations, it set up its power with a squad centered on domestic players. It is expected to be an experimental operation as a large number of European players, who have been the center of the national team's power, are excluded. In particular, attention is being paid to changes in the defense line and distinguishing between jade and stone, without Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). Coach Hong said, `Young players who are likely to participate in next year's World Cup have joined the team. "Not only this tournament, but how we will perform over the next year is a very important point for our team," he said. "I think it's a competition where we can evaluate the overall part of those players."




Meanwhile, Hong revealed about his talks with Moriyasu at the end of last month. Hong said, `We shared what we experienced from the past to the future and what could come in the future. It was a very good time. This was the first time I had this opportunity, but I thought I would like to have it often. Personally, it was a good time for both Korea-Japan football as well." Moriyasu said, "I have fought as a colleague and rival since I was a player. Coach Hong was a great player, and even under great pressure as a leader, he has made achievements. Both countries are working to develop Asian soccer. We were able to share a good time."








This article was translated by Naver AI translator.