I’m staying on, says Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon after 1-1 draw with North Korea
South Korean coach says he has no intention of leaving despite calls for his resignation by several fans during Tuesday’s draw with North Korea
Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon insisted he was staying at the helm after watching his side hold North Korea to a 1-1 draw in the Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night.
“I would probably consider out [leaving] only when my contract is finished,” said Kim who ignored several banners on Tuesday night at Hong Kong Stadium calling for his resignation.
That means Kim is committed to staying on as coach until March of next year when the Asian Cup qualifiers have been completed as stipulated in his contract.
“I must praise my boys today. We had the passion, we had the desire and we were close to winning. Our target remains clear and that’s to qualify for the final [Asian Cup finals].”
The coach also praised young goalscorer Tan Chun-lok, whom he brought to the 2014 Asian Games where the midfielder had an excellent tournament before going home injured.
“He has strong potential but the problem with our young players is that we don’t have sufficient competitive matches in domestic competitions. His level clearly dropped in the second half against Jordan,” said Kim.