Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Weekend Recap - March 19th

There's not much to look forward to in this international break, beyond seeing the new KNT kit unveiling.  With Korea already having top seed locked up, and one WCQ turned into a mere friendly vs Thailand, not much will be gleaned from two meaningless matches.  We can hope that Stielike considers the dangerous situations the KPAs find themselves in with their clubs, both in terms of playing time but also relegation battles.  Already we're seeing some of this with Ji Dong Won and Son Heung Min allowed to rest/train with their clubs, so hopefully we see the same when it comes down to picking a starting XI, particularly for the friendly.

Now back to recaps and hopefully when I post again in a bit over a week, we can get back to regular weekend previews for fully healthy players.

Lee Chung Yong -- Again not in the squad and there will be some tough decisions this summer, given complexity of PL wages vs. playing time.

Hong Jeong Ho -- Started as part of a back 5 and did well to start, battling hard and picking up the deep playmaking role that he had started season with.  That approach paid off when his long pass helped start the attack that resulted in Augsburg's goal.  Unfortunately, Dortmund's improvement at end of first half and relentless pressure over the second half resulted in a loss that leaves Augsburg only free of relegation on GD.  HJH wasn't perfect in the second half, but it was a valiant effort regardless.

Koo Ja Cheol -- Like much of Augsburg, he ran hard and fought well, but was short in quality, with not enough ideas or good enough touches to make the most of what possession they had.  He was subbed out late in the second half, looking pretty tired.  Not as bad as his Mainz "Krazy Koo" days, but he needs to lead with his head as much as his legs.

Ji Dong Won -- Though he returned to training late in the week, it wasn't enough for him to return to the squad.  Stielike left him out on account of his injuries, and hopefully Ji can help in attack once he returns to full fitness.

Kim Jin Su -- Left out of squad.  With Ochs healthy enough to take the bench, opportunities in the immediate future look slim.

Ki Sung Yueng -- Got a start and looked good but a scare near the end of the first half due to miscommunication with the fill in LB seemed to have made up Guidolin's mind, as Ki was pulled at half time.  I was really surprised watching the tape, as Ki provided a lot of hustle for the first time in a while, and few good things happened for Swansea's attack without his influence.  Disappointing and hopefully Ki is ready for a fight for minutes and relegation when he returns.

Suk Hyun Jun -- Benched and came on in the final minutes.  I think Porto will go with the hot hand, so it's up to Suk to take advantage of his chances.

Son Heung Min -- He was an unused sub in an easy win for Tottenham.  He has the international break to focus on club, so hopefully he takes advantage of it as they try to chase down Leicester.

Park Joo Ho -- Tuchel fielded a weakened team and left some players to fully rest, which allowed PJH a spot on the bench.  With Bundesliga situation more or less all resolved, we'll see if Tuchel gives PJH a chance to show his wares ahead of a potential summer move.

Yun Suk Young -- Played 90 but in a loss though reports were that he played ok to well.