Cho cool on Ghotbi’s ‘inside knowledge’

AFC – DOHA, Korea Republic coach Cho Kwang-rae has shrugged off suggestions that Afshin Ghotbi’s experience of Korean football could give the Iran boss the tactical edge when the two Asian football superpowers clash in the last eight of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ on Saturday.

Ghotbi previously worked with the Korean national team for a total of five years, first as a match analyst and then as assistant coach, meaning his past knowledge of the team could be views as a slight advantage for Iran.

However, Korea Republic coach Cho believes much has changed since Ghotbi was part of the set-up and is confident whatever knowledge he has will be of little use now.

“The Korea team keeps changing and developing and our way of football changes every game,” he said.

“Afshin Ghotbi’s previous knowledge of Korea might not be useful now.

“Both teams have shown good performances in the group stage. It will be an important game for us but also a difficult one. We have studied their team well and I am sure the players will give their best to get to the next round.

“I believe we will also show our fans that we are progressing as time goes by.”