Highly Praised in Video Interview with UK's 'Football Daily'
Red Card Incident in Ghana Match: "My Actions Were Not the Best"
The second match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Ghana. As the game ended 2-3, Coach Bento is comforting Son Heung-min. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Paulo Bento, who will step down as the head coach of the South Korean national football team after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, highly praised the dedication of captain Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham).
On the 12th (local time), the UK football specialized media 'Football Daily' posted a short video of a virtual interview with Coach Bento on its official Twitter account. Bento said about Son Heung-min, "Someone's dedication and effort can have a great impact on the entire team," adding, "Son Heung-min worked harder, dedicated himself more, and endured more than anyone else." He also added, "He showed a strong will to be with the South Korean national football team at the Qatar World Cup."
Son Heung-min, dedicated and endured more than anyone else
Son Heung-min suffered an orbital fracture injury in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match just before the World Cup. Although there were predictions that it would be difficult for him to participate in the World Cup, he hurriedly underwent surgery and showed remarkable mental strength by playing full-time in all matches.
After the tournament, Son Heung-min expressed his trust and gratitude toward Coach Bento. He said, "The coach always protected and cared for the players a lot. I maintained a good relationship with the coach and learned so much over the past four years that words of thanks are not enough," adding, "It's very regrettable, but I sincerely support the coach's future more than anyone else."
Paulo Bento, head coach of the South Korean national football team that reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. Photo by Yonhap News
In the interview, Coach Bento also mentioned the situation where he was sent off with a red card in the second group stage match against Ghana. During the match against Ghana, with South Korea trailing 2-3, they earned a corner kick opportunity just before the end, but the referee ended the game, which Bento strongly protested. In the process, he received a red card and had to watch the next match against Portugal from the stands.
Bento expressed regret, saying, "What I did was not the best way. At that time, I showed a lack of common sense."
Coach Bento will depart for his homeland Portugal from Incheon Airport on the afternoon of the 13th. Having led the national team for 4 years and 4 months since August 2018, Bento set the record as the longest-serving head coach in a single term. He plans to recharge in Portugal and decide on his future course.
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