Good Bye Fergie & Beckham

    Recently, a person who was a football manager at Manchester United (MU) retired from manager. His name is Alex Ferguson. His career as Manchester United's manager is about 27 years from 1986 to 2013. He was a soccer player during 17 years. In 1974, he started a career of football manager. At first, he was a East Stirlingshire team manager in Scotland. And then, team names that Fergie managed were St. Mirren, Aberdeen. Meanwhile, Manchester United scouted him as a manager in 1986. His first season ranking was 11th. Next season, MU was ranked at 2nd. Before 1998, MU's ranking was going up and down. In 1998-99 season, MU made great achievements. That was treble trophies : Premium League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup Champions League. In those days, MU's members are so-called 'Fergie's children' : David Beckham, Nicholas Butt, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Philip Neville and transfers. Fergie's children means they learned MU youth team. Thanks to treble success, Ferguson was bestowed an honorary knighthood by England royal family. After that, MU won League, FA Cup, Champions League several times. MU have a deep connection with Korea because of Ji-Sung Park. Park was also scouted by Ferguson. Ferguson cherished Park. During Fergie was a MU manager, MU won 38 times the championship. And Fergie selected the best club manager in 21C.

    

Now, Fergie's children almost retired except for Ryan Giggs. Near the time when Ferguson retired from manager, David Beckham also retired at Paris Saint-Germain. David Beckham was a member of MU from 1993 to 2003. In 1993, his age was 17. So, he went to Preston North End on loan to accumulate experiences. After the period of loan, he came back MU. In MU, he helped his team to won the championship. His speciality was a accurate kick. His cross is called delivery. He gradually became a core player in the team. But, after he married Victoria Beckham, he was a entertainer rather than a soccer player. So, the relationship with Ferguson deteriorated. In the end, Beckham transferred to Real Madrid. In the team, he was also a core player. Afterward, Beckham changed his team several times : LA Galaxy, AC Milan(loan), Paris Saint-Germain. I'm certain Beckham was one of the best soccer players in the world. World fans don't forget Ferguson and David Beckham.

(David Beckham burst into tears in retirement match)

Lion King, LEE DONG GOOK

   Have you ever heard about Lion King Lee Dong Gook? Lee Dong Gook is a Korean representative striker. His ability attracted our attention from childhood. He selected MVP and top score many times. Thanks to these awards, he was selected in a member of national team, aged 19. In 1998, The World Cup was held at France. In the match with Netherlands, he threw a powerful mid-range shot. Lee aged only 18 was very bold. So, people all around the world started to pay attention to him. People gave him a nickname. That is Lion King because of his hair style. After the end of the World Cup, he became a member of national teens teem and Olympic team. His abilities were gradually improved. From 1998, he was a member of the club team named Pohang Steelers. In the team, he was also ace. Meanwhile, he injured. So, he went to Germany to treat. At that time, Korean Football Association encouraged young players to go abroad. So, Pohang sent on loan him to Werder Bremen of Germany's Bundesliga. But, he didn't heal completely. Sure enough, Bremen didn't appoint him starting line up. In the end, he came back Pohang. During 2 seasons, his team finished as a runner-up. In 2002, unfortune was coming. Lee didn't enter a national team in 2002 Korea World Cup because of his laziness. Lee, disappointed at himself, made an effort to playing soccer. So he became a member of national team. In Korea, there is a benefit if the player gets a gold medal in Asian Game. That is exemption from military service. Unfortunately, a national team got a bronze medal. After the Asian Game, he went to military soccer team named Gwangju Sangmu Bulsajo. In the team, he is very energetic. And he changed his play style from altruistic to active and rational. In 2004, he came back Pohang. During 2004-05 season, he joined 20-20 club (20-20 means a player made 20 scores and assisted 20) He made a long drive taking advantage of victory. However, God gave him hardship in 2006. He injured his knee a month before World Cup. From 2002 World Cup to 2006 World Cup, he didn't play soccer as a member of national team. After healed completely, he was scouted by Middlesbrough in Premium League. During debut game, his volley shot hit the goal post. From then on, he sometimes played soccer as a starting line up. But, he didn't make any score. So he was criticized by media and Korean. Finally, he came back K-League. From 2009, he became a member of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. As a member of the team, he made an enormous effort. In 2010, he was given chance. That was a participation of World Cup. He selected a national team. During the preliminaries, he made many goals. So, he expected World Cup. However, there was the news, like a bolt from the blue. He injured his thigh. Korean thought Lee would not participate in World Cup. Fortunately, his injury was recoverd before the World Cup. The second time had Lee participate in World Cup since he first participated in 1998 France World Cup. In the round 16 match against Uruguay, he missed a crucial goal chance from Park Ji Sung's pass. In the end, Korea didn't advance the quarterfinals. After finished the World Cup, Lee was criticized. But, Lee didn't give up. In 2011-12 season, he did the most assists in K-League. In next season, he recorded the most goals in K-League history. He is now a captain of the team. His speciality is volley shot and turnning shot. I attached fantastic goals video.

Fantastic Freestyle Football -Part. 2-

   The previous post talked about foreign football freestyle player. Today, I introduce the Korean football freestyle players. First player is Woo Hee Young. He is a Korean. He is famous in Korea as well as the world. He is now a chairman of World football freestyle federation. He got the European national football skills competition in 2002. And he can do various skills. So, he cast Nike advertisement model with Ronaldinho. I tell a interesting anecdote. Ronaldinho, recognized Mr. Woo's ability, ask Woo signature. Who is he? Ronaldinho is the best soccer player. It is unbelievable for Ronaldinho to ask Woo signature. Thanks to this anecdote, Korean as well as foreigner take an interest in Mr. Woo more an more. ( This hyperlink is Nike CF making film - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH8Tby6lcHQ&feature=player_embedded) In fact, he was a soccer player. But, he had to stop doing soccer because of injury. He was very depressed because he cannot help give up his dream. He wanted to playing soccer. Meanwhile Mr. Woo saw a attracting soccer player named Diego Maradona. Maradona had unique ball control abilities. Mr. Woo, inspired Diego Maradona, practices soccer skills. Finally, he becomes one of the best football freestyle players in the world. He also did marvelous thing. Once Mr. Woo did ball lifting with a head. It is during 4 hours, 46 minutes and 34 seconds that Mr. Woo didn't drop the ball from a head. That record recognized the Guinness Book of Records. He is now the coach in FC Seoul youth academy.

    Second player is Jeon Kwon. Anyone who likes soccer can hear about his name. He is 25 years old. When he was a high school student, he went to England and only brought about 270 dollars. In Europe, he performed his ability. At first, Europeans have an indifferent reaction. But, many people are interested in his performance gradually because of his excellent skills. As he became famous in Europe, Korean is starting to be interested in him. He entered Hankuk University of Foreign Studies through nonscheduled admission on the basis of his performance experiences. His skills are so improved that he is offered to CF or the performance of international dimensions' event, such as FIFA World Cup, UEFA Cup and so on. In 2010, He got a second grade in World Soccer Freestyle competition. After that time, he kept on rolling. He was selected for a national freestyle team. After only 2 years, he became a judge of World Soccer Freestyle competition. It means he is the best freestyle player. He is now managing JK Art Soccer Academy. In there, Anyone can learn soccer skills.(This hyperlink is Jeon Kwon is doing performance in Europe - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ7W1Vrs0zU)

   Finally, I introduce a boy named Seung Jae. He is 22 years old. From elementary school to middle school, he was a soccer player. But, he couldn't do soccer as a player because of poor physical condition. So, he stopped a career of soccer player. However, he didn't hide a passion of soccer. So he has played soccer as a hobby since he stopped. His skills are very good. He is University student. Do you know who he is? He is my brother!!!!!!! I attached a video that my brother does a 'tennis ball' lifting.

Fantastic Freestyle Football -Part. 1-

   Have you heard about football freestyle? It means players perform acrobatic movements with a ball. It does not simply mean doing individual skills during the match. Football freestyle becomes one of the soccer genres. Nowadays, many people are interested in football freestyle. So, some freestyle academy is founded all around the world. Korea also follow the trend. From now on, I explain famous football freestyle players in the world.

   As you saw, I posted a blog that I wrote my favorite soccer player named Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho is the best football freestyle player. He is very skillful. He plays as if the ball is attached on the feet. So, experts named his skills. One of the famous his skills is Flip flap(or called Elastico). Flip flap is as soon as a player dribbled the ball to the right side, he quickly turns to the left side by using ankle's power. (This hyperlink is Ronaldinho does the Flip flap - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqPEpeokCg&feature=player_embedded) And, the second skill is no-look pass. Of course, this skill is not his own skill. But, when we think no-look pass, we recall his name. No look pass is a player passes different direction. (This hyperlink is Ronaldinho does no-look pass -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiYLbcRaFkw)  

    Second player is Cristiano Ronaldo. C. Ronaldo is a member of Galactico Ⅱ. Galactico Ⅱ is a policy of Real Madrid. Real Madrid scouted many star players, such as C. Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and so on. C. Ronaldo is typical the type of dribbling. Many soccer fans are enthusiastic about his skills. Dribbling that he is good at is snake dribble. Snake dribble means the player dribbles quickly as if a snake is moving. Its skill is very splendid. (This hyperlink is snake dribble - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFpV-6CFPuE ) And, another C. Ronaldo's skill is back short. When a player is quickly running, he changes direction. Then defender undergoes step-over because of a sudden change. (This hyperlink is back short - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8dcGqO3Rqc)

   Are you excited?? Next post, I'll introduce representative Korean fooball freestyle players as well as a surprising boy.

We Should Now Change - Role Model : The European Youth System

    As you read, I wrote the problem of Korea's soccer education before. In brief, the coach doesn't manage each player's abilities but focusing on the result. Then, the coach get some extra money. The coach only teaches tactics to players, not basic skills. Although it is possible for the team to win the match, their skills probably decrease. Second, there are some violences in the club. If juniors make some mistakes, the coach would scold juniors and seniors in the name of joint responsibility. Seniors, unfairly scolded by the coach, take it out on juniors. While Korea's soccer education is formed, How did the European soccer education develop?

    European soccer education is managed in the form of club youth system. In club youth system consists of the team A, B, C ,D....... Thess teams are assorted on the basic of the ability. If a player improves his ability, he would go up the upper team. And, European teams have their own philosophy from youth team to club team. From youth team, players learn the team's philosophy. That means players learn the same formation continuously. Then, youth players, improved their abilities, can play the upper team easily. Also, in European team, a coach is leading the team for a long time, while Korea's team coach is shortly changing. If a coach leads the team for a long time, the team's color would be clear. But, if a coach is shortly changing, players would adapt new environment whenever the coach changes. Then, the team is easily swayed. Finally, the European youth team is playing the second division. It means the youth team can have strengthen the competitiveness.

    There are some representative examples of successful youth system, such as Barcelona, Ajax, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and many Spain, Germany club teams. One of them, Barcelona youth system is now very perfect. Barcelona's typical formation is 4-3-3. From youth team to club team use 4-3-3 formation. So, youth player can easily adapt the club team. And, Barcelona team's famous tactic is Tiki taka. Tiki taka means a ping pong ball is coming and going. Their players use many short passes. So the opponent is very confused.

    To develop Korea's soccer education, youth team should be managed with a focus on the club. Between youth team and club team, it must have many exchanges. And, a coach 's periods of change is long. Then a perfect team would be made.

The problem of Korea's soccer education

   Recently, a soccer player named Son Heung Min is now fantastic in Bundesliga. Was he fruit of Korea's soccer education? The answer is no!!!! He didn't learn a soccer in korea. He learned soccer skills from his father who was a soccer player. And, you heard about Lee Cheong-Yong. He didn't graduate the middle school. That means he didn't learned the soccer in the middle school and high school soccer club. He entered the youth team at FC Seoul. In there, he honed his skills in the team along with close friend and international teammate Ki Seong-Yong. His friend named Ki Seong-Yong also didn't learned Korea's soccer education. He was sent to Australia by his father, who believed that he could play football and learn to speak English. He played the bulk of his youth career at John Paul College in Brisbane under the BSP (Brain Soccer Program) overseen by Jeff Hopkins. Indeed, What is the problem of Korea's soccer education?

   I know the problem of Korea's soccer education well. Because my older brother did a career in a soccer player. I looked at the soccer club close. At first, the problem is that the system is not managing the each player's abilities but focusing on the result. In elementary school soccer club, players learned basic skills. That is not problem. The problem takes place in the middle school. Middle school players should practice basic skills steadily. But, the coach teaches players tactics. That is the house on the sand. Second, violences exist in the club. If players are poor at the soccer in the match, players are probably beaten by the coach. It is unbelievable. There is not the fact that the coach beats players because of players' abilities at any countries. Also, players sometimes receive disciplinary punishment upon a group. After received punishment, seniors vented his anger on juniors.

    To solve these problems, our education systems should change. First, the coach's violence should disappear. Second, soccer management system should change from managing with a focus on school to with a focus on club's youth team. Finally, we should accept the Europe's youth system. Then, our youth team can increase competitiveness.

(This picture is that youngers are playing soccer in JSFC that is the abbreviation for 'Ji-Sung Football Center' )

My role model, Ji Sung Park. - Part. 2 -

After that season, Alex Ferguson who manages the team named Manchester United until now scouted him. He became the first premium leaguer. In 2005-06 season, he made his debut the member of MU and finished the season happily. The Korea Football Association selected him Player of Year. And, His team won the premium league and got a prize medal first as a Asian. MU fans nicknamed him Oxygen tank, a ordinary hero. And he made a new position named 'defensive winger'. In that year, the World Cup was held in Germany. During the World Cup, Korea won the away match first in World Cup. And, He made a goal in the match against France. In early 2007-08 season, he got hurt on a knee and did remedial exercises. After came back the game, he moved more vigorous than before. He participated in the final match in UEFA Champions league next season first as a Asian. In 2009-10 season, He was selected as MVP of November and December. In the 2010 World Cup in Republic of South Africa, He also made a goal in the match against Greece. With this, He scored three goals in a row in the World Cup. His career of the National team ended in 2011 after 2011 Asian Cup tournament. In 2011-12, He re-signed a contract that he got the third highest salary and participated in the game against AFC Ajax as a captain of team. In 2012-13 season, he transferred to another team named Queens Park Rangers. During the seven season of MU, he scored 27 goals. Nowadays, His team is poor in teamwork. So, His team is in danger of relegation. But, He goes down in the history of Korea soccer and Korean is big fan of him. He is the face of Korea soccer. Hopefully, I want to see him in K-league as soon as possible. As you looked at the title of this post, Ji is my role model. Of course, It doesn't mean that I become a soccer player. I respect his mental power. And he always does his best. Because of these reasons, he is my idol.!!~!~!

My role model, Ji Sung Park. - Part. 1 -

Have you heard about the person who have two hearts?? He is Korean. His name is Ji-Sung Park. He is a famous soccer player in the world. He doesn't really have two hearts. Because he is very energetic all the game, he got the nickname. He was born in 1981. He has talents of soccer since he was young. He got a Cha Bum Kun soccer award that Cha Bum Kun soccer center give young players with exceptional talent. But he has a disadvantage. He is short and small. So, Most universities team didn't scout him. He entered the Myongji university with difficulty. One day, Myongji university team matched the Olympic team. At the game, he gave the manager named Huh Jung-Moo good impression. So, The manager selected him the member of Olympic team. He played a very active in the team. And, He was scouted by Kyoto Purple Sanga in J league. He gave the help that the team elevated to the first division league and won the FA Cup. So, the Japan Football Association selected him the best eleven in league. In 2002, he was selected for the member of National team. The national team had a friendly match with European countries. At the game, he made 2 points. Because of his excellent activities, he was chosen for the starting line up during the 2002 World Cup. He played a essential role in the advance semi-finals of the World Cup. After the 2002 World Cup, Guus Hiddink who led the Korean national team in 2002 scouted him PSV Eindhoven in Eredivisie league. During 2002-03 season, He experienced a slump. The home fans booed and jeered at him. So, Hiddink only appointed him in away match. Thanks to Hiddink 's consideration, He recovered his pace. In 2004-05 season, his team won the league and advanced semi-finals of the UEFA Champions league. He scored the first goal against Italian team Milan in the Champions League semi-finals. The home fans who booed and jeered at him complimented him. Even, the fan made a song named 'Song for Park'. Because of his remarkable activities, The magazine named 'Time' selected him 'Asia's Heroes'. Until now, thank you for your concern. Next post, I will tell you the rest of his career. Also, you can know the mean of the title.

The best of best in Korea soccer history

Nowadays, Korean soccer player's advancing abroad is expanding quickly. Korean rank in Olympic and World Cup was good. So our prestige is better than before. But, There is A korean soccer player who elevated Korean prestige in the past. His name is Cha Bum-Kun. He was born in 1953. He stepped on elite courses. He became a member of the teen national team in 1971. And He also became a member of the national team in 1972. He was the Korea's youngest national soccer player. In his career of national team, He gave Korean the memory that didn't forget. In 1976, The Presidential Cup was held. Korea was matched with Indonesia. The score was 1 : 4 , leaving 7 minutes. The score was disappointing Korean people. But, Miracle happened. He made three scores during 7 minutes. Finally, Korea defeated Indonesia. SV Darmstadt 98 in Bundesliga which wants him made a provisional contract with him. But, he should be forced to go to the military. So the contract was broken. After his military lives, he was scouted by the team named Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga in 1979. He became a first soccer player in Korea which advance Europe team. After his debut match, The magazine named KICKER which is the best soccer magazine in Germany selected him weekly best eleven. He made many score in early season. So his nickname was Tscha Bum in Germany because of his name and his thunderous ball striking ability. (bum means the sound occurred during an explosion.) In 1980, His team won the UEFA Cup. And, He selected MVP in the game. In the same year, he selected the world's best eleven. So, he participated first All star game as Korean. Because of his abilites, interesting event happened. Germany propelled nationalizing him as a German. But, the project failed. In 1983, he transferred other team named Bayer 04 Leverkusen in bundesliga which was the bottom in league. In the next season, his team ranked 7th. It was interesting!!!. Also, he selected the MVP of bundesliga in 85-86 season. In 1988, his team won the UEFA Cup. In his bundesliga career, he scored 98 goals during 308 games. This record was the most scores in league as a foreigner. After his retirement, he did many things. He was a manager of soccer team and sports commentator. Also, he operate the soccer Academy. His academy's motor is to go side by side with soccer and study, do not excessive training and do league match, not tournament. Cha is a hero of many famous soccer player in the world.

THE BEST SOCCER PLAYER IN MY HEART

Whenever we think about the famous sports in the world, we don't forget about the soccer. One of the reasons that the soccer can be the famous sports is the being of star players.

Of course , Pele, Diego Maradona, Cha Beom Geun, and so on was star player in the past, people regard them as legend.

Nowadays, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo are the typical star player. Their abilities make the world fan crazy. Of course, I'm big fan of them, too. But the best star player in my heart is Ronaldinho. After I saw his freestyle soccer, I was fascinated. He is thirty two years old. His position is Center Attack Midfielder. First, his career and award list show his abilities. He got a FIFA player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and a Ballon d'Or which means European footballer of the year in 2005. And He led the team Barcelona. At that time, Barcelona won the spain league and UEFA Champions league in 2005. In his glory days, He was good at dribbling, shooting, free kick, running. His play equaled to exquisite skill, so his nickname is alien.

I tell you his episode in his glory days. In 2005-06 season, Barcelona which Ronaldinho led matched against Real Madrid. This derby's name is El Clasico. In El Clasico, Ronaldinho had a very lively time on this game as well. To his surprise, He got a standing ovation from Real Madrid fan.

Of course. his glory days were very short, but the very short time was intensive. If his glory days were ten years, he would be the best player in the world forever.

Nowadays, I heard about his revival news. My enthusiasm revive again. Could we see Ronaldinho's gorgeous play again in 2014 Brazil World cup? I can't wait the time.