New Delhi: Iconic South Korean manager, Park Hang-seo, has submitted his application to AIFF to become the next head coach of the Indian National Football Team. Igor Stimac and India had a bitter fallout after the Croatian manager was sacked following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. Since his departure, the Indian Football Federation has been inviting applications from managers around the world, and Park Hang-seo’s interest in the top post is an eye-catching affair in the saga.
Vietnam admires the South Korean as a godly figure, having revolutionised football culture and structure in the country. Park’s application is among 214 submissions the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received, with more expected before the July 3 deadline. “We are not looking at any of the applications till the deadline,” an AIFF official stated to the Times of India.
According to TOI, the AIFF are closely looking into Park Hang-seo for the head coach role. Hence, the Indian football fans might wonder why this South Korean manager is hailed as a deity by the Vietnamese fans.
Park Hang-seo: Can India become “Uncle” Park’s new Vietnam?
The Korean strategist, Park Hang-seo achieved legendary status in the Southeast Asian nation by nurturing a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent that excelled at both regional and continental levels, elevating Vietnam to unprecedented heights in the football world.
In the lead-up to the 2018 AFC U23 Asian Cup in China PR, anticipation swirled about a remarkable transformation underway in Vietnam. Under Park’s guidance in his inaugural major tournament, the young Golden Star Warriors exceeded expectations.
Featuring stars like Nguyen Cong Phuong, Luong Xuan Truong, and the nation’s brightest prospect, Nguyen Quang Hai, Vietnam emerged from a group that included the Korea Republic, Australia, and Syria, securing a quarter-final berth. Quang Hai’s decisive goal against Australia underscored their historic achievement.
His pragmatic approach helped Vietnam win the first SEA title in 62 years. A year later, he clinched the SEA Games title again, winning consecutive major international titles. They nearly qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2022, while beating China 3-1 and drew with Asian football giants, Japan. They qualified for the third round and unfortunately got axed. India have never qualified in recent years.
Vietnam, similar to India, were struggling to keep up with the neighbouring Asian countries in terms of physicality, tactics, and approach. Weaker teams often try to use cautious counterattacking football against stronger sides, but Park brought possession-based football to Vietnam’s camp. Since his takeover, his experience and ability to nurture young talents were fruitful in realising an attacking approach against stronger sides, leading to Vietnam becoming a fierce side in Asian competitions.
Vietnam Insider has called Park Hang-seo the “dad” of the Vietnamese team. The outlet said: “Every time Vietnamese players score a goal or miss, Coach Park’s emotional reactions and gestures on TV touch not only the team but also all audiences. Sometimes he does seem like an overzealous football dad who comes to see all his son’s matches and cries for every success and misstep.”
“Yet, just being a kind father figure would not have brought him this much success. During his time at the World Cup 2002, he learned how Guus Hiddink broke the toxic culture of relationships over performance, which had been discouraging players from playing at their best. Coach Park might be a friendly father who makes players smile and bond as one team, but he is also a fair and scientific leader who makes decisions based on facts and fairness, encouraging and sending clear messages of how one’s hard work will be appreciated in practice.”
Asian football culture and environment work differently than in Europe or South America. The “father figure” status quo plays a big role in the Asian landscape. Indian players are no different. It has been proven multiple times that a caring, encouraging, and playful leader has brought out the best in the Indian players. For example, Antonio Habas’ triumph with Atletico de Kolkata and Mohun Bagan. Park Hang-seo becomes an intriguing candidate for Indian footballers from this aspect.
AIFF: “His [Park Hang-seo] interest in Indian football is a good sign”
According to the Times of India, AIFF admires Park’s profile for the job. In an interview, an AIFF official shared their excitement about receiving the application from the South Korean manager.
An AIFF official told the Times of India, “Park is a hero in Vietnam and his interest in Indian football is a good sign. He not only managed the senior team but also took charge of the under-23s, delivering the Southeast Asian title. His record against much higher-ranked countries is enviable, and he managed to do all this with thrilling, counter-attacking football,”.
How can Park Hang-seo change the Indian football landscape?
SUWON, SOUTH KOREA – OCTOBER 17: Former Vietnam head coach Park Hang-Seo (C) during the international friendly match between South Korea and Vietnam at Suwon World Cup Stadium on October 17, 2023 in Suwon, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Indian football needs a renaissance if the country ever wishes to fulfill its dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup. Even though experienced and high-profile managers were hired, the promises and poor facilities never helped the situation. According to that, a manager like Park Hang-seo can do wonders in the Indian setup. A pragmatic, strict, and father-like figure may just bring out a staggering unit that doesn’t depend on one man to make the difference. With Chhetri gone, a youth-friendly manager might just do the trick for the Tigers.
Renowned for his success in Vietnam, Park Hang-seo is set to lead India’s national football team, bringing his expertise in developing young talent and achieving notable regional and continental success. India Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
