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| photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association |
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| Yonhap News |
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| Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the U.S. national team, lost six games against a team in the top 30 FIFA rankings after taking office. Is Pochettino ready to take over the World Cup?US Broadcasting Corporation is asking 'CBS Sports' |
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South Korea's A national soccer team captain Son Heung-min (LAFC) said he hugged with U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino, his teacher when he was at Tottenham after the A-match warm-up match against the U.S.
British soccer media 'TBRFootball' reported Son Heung-min's mixed zone interview after the first A match against the U.S. national team at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, on the 7th (local time).
According to the media, Son Heung-min spoke to foreign media about his relationship with former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who resigned from his post on the 5th after 25 years in power, and Pochettino, who reunited as an opposing team's enemy.
When asked if he could speak Spanish, Son smiled and said, `I can speak a little bit.' First of all, it is not an appropriate position to talk about Levy's resignation. I've been with chairman Levi for 10 years (at Tottenham). I think he is worth more than I say here."
Chairman Levi then led the team for 25 years and did an amazing job. Whatever you do in the future, I wish you good luck. I thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he has done for me."
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| EPAYonhap News |
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Son Heung-min moved from Leverkusen in 2015 when Pochettino led Tottenham and continued his teacher's relationship with his student for about four years until 2019, when Pochettino was replaced. He wrote a new history, such as advancing to the European Champions League final for the first time in the club's history.
Coach Pochettino will take the helm of the U.S. in September 2024 after passing through Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and will play an exhibition match against Son Heung-min's home country, South Korea.
Son Heung-min, who smiled brightly and hugged Pochettino before the game, said "Pochettino sincerely helped me get to this position today. When I was 23 years old, I was so grateful for teaching me many good things."
Son Heung-min scored the first goal in the 18th minute of the first half after receiving a penetration pass from Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), and gave South Korea a 2-0 victory with a one-man show that helped Lee Dong-kyung (Kim Chun) score an additional goal in the 43rd minute. As a result, he put a dagger on Pochettino, who is under pressure to be replaced.
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| Yonhap News |
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| APYonhap News |
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Son Heung-min said "When we play, we're not friends. They just fight for victory. But after the game, I met Pochettino and gave him a heartfelt hug." In an interview with a Korean broadcaster right after the game, Son Heung-min said, `I only greeted Pochettino before the game. Now that the game is over, we will greet you respectfully."
Son Heung-min said "Pochettino is a very good coach. To me, it's more than just a director. The relationship we've built has been really, really special. `I wish Pochettino and the U.S. team all the best.'
Pochettino hid his bitterness and called Son Heung-min the `player like my son' and `We faced Son Heung-min, one of the best strikers in the world today," he praised. However, regarding the overall economic situation, he made remarks that were far from reality, saying, `We did better than Korea.' Soccer fans said in unison, `The same pattern Pochettino did when he was about to be replaced from his previous team.'
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
