“My favorite Korean word is ‘gogangdo’. I also like words like “actively” and “don’t give up.” We often tell our players.”
Coach Colin Bell of the women’s national soccer team, who is called a ‘Korean foreigner’ due to her extraordinary love for Korea and her fluent Korean skills, has unveiled a blueprint for the new year. She expressed her determination to continue the success of the men’s team at last year’s World Cup in Qatar by reaching the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, which opens in July. Smiles broke out among her reporters as Director Bell continued her press conference in a mix of English and Korean.
At the New Year’s press conference held at the Seoul Sinmunro Soccer Center on the 26th, Bell began his speech in Korean by saying, “Hello everyone, Happy New Year.” He continued, “I am looking forward to the Arnold Clark Cup and the World Cup. I want the players to be in good shape. I am confident that we will have a good match,” he continued with a Korean comment.
After taking the helm of the women’s national soccer team in October 2019, coach Bell was obsessed with studying Korean. According to his guiding philosophy that ‘deep communication is possible only when there is no sense of incongruity in language and thoughts’, he learned Hangeul and Korean culture whenever he had a chance. Whenever he attended a press conference, he tried to communicate with the media by delivering Korean comments.
The women’s national team, led by coach Bell, will advance to the Women’s World Cup finals in July. Korea, ranked 15th in the FIFA rankings, belongs to Group H and faces Colombia (27th), Morocco (76th) and Germany (2nd) one after another. Coach Bell said, “We have already started collecting information on the opposing team.” In the case of Germany, information is being gathered through local acquaintances.”
Coach Bell said, “The first goal is to win the first leg of the World Cup finals.” Regarding this, he said, “You must have heard the comment that the first game is important from various leaders,” and explained, “But if you think about it backwards, it is the most realistic goal.” 메이저놀이터
Opportunities for rehearsals, such as real-life events, were also provided. Next month, he will participate in the Arnold Clark Cup to be held in England, where he will face off against European powerhouses. England (4th) on the 17th, Belgium (20th) on the 20th, and Italy (17th) on the 23rd.
Coach Bell said, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to face England, which I personally think is the best in the world.” I will be able to learn it,” he expressed anticipation.
The women’s national team will conduct convocation training in Ulsan on the 30th in preparation for the Arnold Clark Cup. 23 players including Ji So-yeon (Suwon FC) and Choi Yu-ri (Incheon Hyundai Steel) will participate. Overseas players Lee Geum-min and Park Ye-eun (above Brighton), and goalkeeper Yun Young-geul, who is seeking overseas expansion, will join the national team after they go to Europe.
Director Bell said, “I like both living and working in Korea. I hope to stay as long as possible,” he expressed satisfaction, saying, “Korea is a safe country, and there are many cafes that I like.” He added, “Personally, it was uncomfortable to wear a mask, but I am looking forward to being able to take off the mask (even indoors) from next week.”