Seoul: Korea Republic coach Uli Stielike will be using upcoming matches against Lebanon and Thailand to assess if a host of his big-name players are still capable of performing at the highest level.
The Taegeuk Warriors are already assured of a top-spot finish in Group G, meaning they are through to the third round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying and a guaranteed berth at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
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Although there would appear little to play for in Thursday’s final qualifier against Lebanon - which will be followed by Sunday’s friendly against current Group F leaders Thailand - Stielike has revealed he will be using the matches to closely monitor the likes of Borussia Dortmund utility player Park Joo-ho, Crystal Palace winger Lee Chung-yong and Hoffenheim left-back Kim Jin-su, who have not exactly featured regularly for their European clubs this season.
“I have given them an opportunity,” said Stielike.
“I will see how they perform in answer to my call-up.
“For the next call-up, we have about two months left. Until then, I will search for players in the K League Classic who have talent to be on the national team.”
While he does admit his players could struggle for motivation, Stielike insists he will demand plenty from them as they look to maintain the excellent momentum they have gathered in recent months.
“These matches could have no meaning since we have already advanced to the final round of qualification,” explained the 61-year-old.
“However, we have been playing great since last year and I don’t want to ruin that milestone by not playing well in upcoming matches.”
Since taking over the reins of the South Koreans in September 2014, Stielike has won 17 of his 23 matches in charge and also led them to a runners-up finish at last year’s AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
Source: the-afc.com