National football team names assistant coaches

The local governing body of football on Thursday named four assistant coaches for the senior national team. The Korea Football Association (KFA) said Choi Duck-joo, the former head coach of the women's under-17 team, will be the senior assistant alongside head coach Choi Kang-hee. Two assistants will be Shin Hong-ki, formerly with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the domestic K-League, and Park Choong-kyun, the ex-coach of the K-League's Ulsan Hyundai FC. The KFA said Kim Pung-ju, once a goalkeeper coach for the men's under-20 squad, will serve in the same role for the senior team. These moves complete the overhaul of the national team bench. Cho Kwang-rae was fired as head coach last month following South Korea's upset 2-1 loss to Lebanon in November during the ongoing regional World Cup qualification. Cho's three assistants all left the team as well. Choi Duck-joo coached South Korea to the championship at the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. It was the country's first crown at a FIFA-sanctioned tournament. Of no relation to Choi Kang-hee, Choi Duck-joo has been known for his analytical mind and for his motivational skills. "I think Choi will make the most of his soft leadership to connect with players," Choi Kang-hee said. "He will be the bridge between other coaches and players." Choi Kang-hee had been on the Jeonbuk bench with Shin for five years. Calling Shin a long-time friend, Choi said, "I believe he will quickly pick up on what I want to do on the national team and will be a great supporter by my side." Choi added Kim, who has coached goalkeepers on many junior teams, brings a ton of international experience as "one of the most knowledgeable coaches about current national keepers." South Korea hosts Kuwait in Seoul on Feb. 29 in a crucial qualification match. If South Korea wins or ties, it advances. But if the team loses and Lebanon beats or draws the United Arab Emirates in its Group B action, then South Korea will be eliminated. South Korea is seeking its eighth straight World Cup appearance and ninth overall.