Coach calls for fans’ patience

– New South Korea coach Paulo Bento (above) says it will take time for the team to implement his specific plans but hopes to eventually see them contend for honours as the domestic game develops under his stewardship.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) named Bento as coach last week, the former Portugal midfielder signing a four-year contract to take the side through next year’s Asian Cup and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 49-year-old, who had a four-year stint in charge of his native Portugal from 2010, said part of his role was to oversee the emergence of the next generation of Korean players.

“It will be a long-term project, but I believe it’s a great opportunity to develop South Korean football, not just for the Asian Cup and World Cup qualification,” he told reporters in Seoul on Thursday.

“We should provide opportunities for young players because there are so many talented players who are the country’s future.”

Bento replaced Shin Tae-yong, who took over towards the end of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign and whose contract expired last month. – Reuters

Goyang