New Hong Kong coach eager to prove he is right man
Korean says his only motivation since replacing Ernie Merrick is to do his best 'to develop the Hong Kong team' during his time in charge
Caretaker coach Kim Pan-gon is out to prove he deserves a long-term deal as Hong Kong take on Guam in the opening match of the East Asian Cup qualifiers at Mong Kok Stadium today.
Although the Korean, who replaced Ernie Merrick in October, has been given until July next year, Hong Kong's performance in the five-nation tournament, which also includes Australia, North Korea and Taiwan, will play an important role in decisions over his future.
Hong Kong will also face Uzbekistan and Vietnam in Asian Cup qualifiers early next year before scheduling another home-and-away friendly in June.
A source close to the Hong Kong Football Association said yesterday that officals would not undergo another global recruitment search for the head coach's job, if Kim can prove himself and the government, who pay Kim's salary under Project Phoenix, had no objections.
Kim had a bright start when his team returned from Kuala Lumpur with a 1-1 draw against Malaysia last month, shortly after a 3-0 home defeat to the same squad in the two-leg international. The defeat by the Malaysians was one of the catalysts for the early departure of Merrick.
Kim yesterday played down questions about his future, saying he was focused solely on this tournament.
"I don't want to talk about my future and will take my responsibility as the head coach until the end of my period," Kim said.
