"Stop Taking Care of Your Own" Exposed by National Team Trainer

Andeoksoo "We Must Reflect on This Incident for the Future of Korean Football"
"Once the Identity of No. 2701 Is Revealed, Players Cannot Be Blamed"

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] "Please reflect on this matter and make improvements for the future of Korean football."

Controversy is spreading over a post left on social media by the trainer of the 2022 Qatar World Cup South Korea national team. The post contains criticism seemingly related to the team’s management situation, and criticism toward the Korea Football Association is expected to intensify. Many players, including Son Heung-min, liked the post.

Trainer Ahn Deok-su, who was in charge of players’ massages and treatments during the World Cup, posted on his Instagram after the round of 16 match against Brazil on the 6th, saying, "Their journey was beautiful, and the time spent with them will be remembered for a long time," along with a group photo with the players. He said, "This photo is from the resolution meeting held in room 2701 before the last qualifying match against Portugal, where we said, 'Let’s not end like this.'"

Trainer Ahn expressed gratitude to trainers Song Young-sik and Lee Cheol-hee who worked with him, saying, "It was hard work. Each person’s care time ranged from two to three hours. When one person cares for 5 to 6 players a day, their hands often swell and get bruised. I can only bow my head before the sweat they shed."

He hinted at a revelation, saying, "Many things happened in room 2701. If reporters contact me, I can share details of unimaginable and extraordinary matters about why room 2701 was created." He added, "Having spent nearly 20 years with professional football teams, I could not help but think about the future of Korean football."

He emphasized, "Please reflect on this matter and make improvements for the future of Korean football," and urged, "Change it. Stop taking care only of your own people." The post was liked by players who participated in this World Cup, including Son Heung-min, Jung Woo-young, Cho Kyu-sung, Kim Jin-su, Hwang Ui-jo, Son Jun-ho, Song Min-kyu, as well as retired player Ki Sung-yueng.

However, in another post, he said, "Room 2701 has nothing to do with the Korea Football Association," and "Once you learn the identity of room 2701, you will never blame the players."

Trainer Ahn Deok-su is known not to be a trainer employed by the Football Association but Son Heung-min’s personal trainer who joined the national team at Son’s request. Upon arriving in Qatar, he posted on Instagram, "Thank you, father, for arranging a good room. As you said, I will spend happy times thinking about the players who will come day by day." This has led to suspicions that hotel room 2701 was privately arranged by Son Heung-min’s father.

If Trainer Ahn continues to reveal more, the Korea Football Association is expected to face a strong backlash. Since the contract renewal with Coach Bento has already failed, negative public opinion toward the association may grow further.

Meanwhile, the South Korean national football team completed the tournament after achieving their goal of reaching the round of 16 in the World Cup. Coach Bento and the team will return home this afternoon via Incheon International Airport.