GOAL – Former South Korean
assistant coach Afshin Ghotbi has revealed his shock and disappointment upon
learning of the drinking antics of four national team stars during July's
Asian Cup.
Captain and goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae, Middlesbrough marksman Lee Dong-guk,
Woo Sung-young and Kim Sang-sik twice ventured out in Jakarta during the
group stage of the continental competition.
Ghotbi, now head coach of Iranian giants and league leaders Persepolis, told
Goal.com that the coaching staff had no idea that the quartet were quaffing
in between games.
"I am completely shocked, surprised and disappointed to learn about this,"
Ghotbi said.
"I pushed for the inclusion of Lee Woon-jae and Lee Dong-guk into the squad
and the team and am surprised that they have acted in this way.
"I have always had complete faith in the commitment and professionalism of
Korean players but that faith has been shaken a little. I would like to
remind the players how they became successful and popular – it was through
commitment, discipline and hard work."
The Iranian-American also hit back at Korean Football Association claims
that the coaching staff are responsible for looking after players in such
situations.
"It is the job of the coaching staff to make the right selection and prepare
the team as well as possible," the 43 year-old insisted.
"Without employing security staff, it is impossible to check what players
are up to in the early hours of the morning.Even it it was, modern
management methods are designed to give players freedom and responsibility."
