S. Korea are not sparring partners for Spain, Czech Republic: coach
YEONGJONG ISLAND, South Korea, May 29 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean men's national football team head coach Uli Stielike said Sunday his team is not a sparring partner for Spain and the Czech Republic as they departed for their friendly matches in Europe.
South Korea, 54th in the FIFA world rankings, will take on No. 6 Spain on June 1 in Salzburg, Austria, and face the No. 29 Czech Republic on June 5 in Prague. They will be South Korea's first matches against European nations since Stielike became head coach in September 2014. They're also designed to help South Korea prepare for the final Asian World Cup qualifying tournament starting in September.
"We are not going there to be their sparring partners," Stielike said at the Incheon International Airport. "We will show that we are competitive opponents."
Stielike said that people would easily dismiss South Korea's chances if they look at the FIFA rankings, but South Korea will put their utmost efforts on the pitch to display their competitiveness.
"It's important to keep our philosophy of football and mindset," he said. "Spain and the Czech Republic could show better techniques than us on the pitch, but we should not be cowered before the match."
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said that Stielike and nine players, including Ki Sung-yueng of Swansea City and Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, headed to Austria on Sunday, while three players -- Ju Se-jong, Lee Yong and Lee Jae-sung -- who have their league matches for their domestic clubs will depart Monday. The rest of the squad will travel individually to join the training camp in Salzburg, the KFA added.
Stielike hinted that those who play in their league matches on Sunday may not start against Spain because they will be tired from the long trip. However, the 61-year-old German said he doesn't want to waste any players sitting on the bench. For the friendly matches, Stielike selected only 20 players.
Players said that they are also expecting a lot in the matches against European powerhouses as many football fans around the world will pay attention.
"This is a good opportunity for us to show our talents and skills," said striker Suk Hyun-jun. "It will also give us good experience."
kdon@yna.co.kr
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