South Korea’s new coach Humberto Coelho admits he respects the legacy of Guus Hiddink, but is confident he can that he can emulate the success of his predecessor.
“Hiddink’s World Cup achievement was inspired, but I believe I can also do well,” former Portugal coach Coelho told a press conference in Seoul.
South Korea reached the last four of the 2002 World Cup under Hiddink before he chose to return to Netherlands to coach PSV Eindhoven.
Hiddink’s assistant Park Hang-seo was put in charge of the national side but was sacked after a poor showing at the Pusan Asian Games last October.
Coelho, who led Portugal to the Euro 2000 semi-finals, was appointed until August next year, with an option to extend it until the 2006 World Cup finals
“The most important thing is for a player to be prepared mentally”, he said.
Coelho’s first match in charge is a friendly international against Colombia on March 29.
