Blaming Himself, Yet Saying: "I Don't Know the Cause of the Poor Performance"

[Anchor]

After the match against South Africa, head coach Hong Myung-bo gave an incomprehensible answer during the press conference, stating that he did not know the reason for the defeat. He offered no explanation as to why the team did not play aggressively even when trailing in the score.

Lee Jung-chan reports from Guadalajara.

[Reporter]

Following the nightmarish defeat against South Africa, the players returned immediately to their base camp in Guadalajara, with the shock of the previous night still visible on their faces.

Most began training with heavy expressions, and even a day later, head coach Hong Myung-bo appeared flustered, admitting that he had not yet found the true cause of the poor performance.

[Hong Myung-bo/National Football Team Head Coach: Honestly, it is true that we are a bit bewildered as to why this happened so suddenly. I don't think we have found a clear answer yet.]

He drew a line regarding suspicions of internal team conflict, similar to what occurred during the 2024 Asian Cup.

[Hong Myung-bo/National Football Team Head Coach: I don't think there are any problems within the squad at all. I think this is the first time I have been at a World Cup where things have not been unsettled inside and outside the team.]

While suggesting that the players' impatience to win or the extreme heat in Monterrey could have been factors in the poor performance, he ultimately took responsibility as the head coach.

[Hong Myung-bo/National Football Team Head Coach: I told the players, "If you have nothing else to blame, blame me." Although the players are trying their best on the pitch, ultimately, it is the coach's responsibility.]

In a humiliating situation where our fate depends on the results of other groups, Coach Hong vowed to reorganize the team without giving up hope for reaching the Round of 32.

[Hong Myung-bo/National Football Team Head Coach: We have about 3 to 4 days left, and we must find a way to prepare well. I believe we have to make it happen.]

We cannot change the past.

The first step must be to recover their exhausted bodies and minds.

(Video coverage: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Kim Jun-hee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.