Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon hits back after criticism over local players
Korean says Dreams FC teenagers Tse Ka-wing and Cheng Chin-lung deserve their shot as he looks to transition from old guard
Hong Kong head coach Kim Pan-gon has knocked back suggestions he is under pressure to select more local players in his squad as he prepares for the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Lebanon next week.
Just 10 of the 23-man squad – who will also play host to Bahrain on Thursday as preparation – are local players, including two young newcomers, goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing and forward Cheng Chin-lung, both of Dreams FC.
The Korean has been under fire for recruiting too many naturalised players since he was appointed to the job in 2012.
Just last month, three Spanish-born players – Jorge Tarres, Fernando Recio and Daniel Cancela – were all drafted into the team immediately after they obtained Hong Kong passports. All three players keep their place in the squad.
“My position is always under pressure, I know that clearly as I have been in Hong Kong for 17 years,” said Kim after leading his side’s first practice session at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground on Monday.
“But this is not the reason I picked more local players. From time to time, I have to recruit up-and-coming players into the squad as we need a smooth transition from some of our older players.