Veteran Park Joo-ho (36‧ Suwon FC), who has been active for a long time in Europe, the center of world football, advised his juniors to boldly challenge their way into Europe.
Park Joo-ho, who made his professional debut with Japan’s Mito Holy Hawk in 2008, moved to FC Basel (Switzerland) in July 2011 through Kashima Antlers and Jubilo Iwata. He later competed on the European stage for a total of six and a half years at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. Park Joo-ho made his first step in the K-League through Ulsan Hyundai in 2018 and has been active in Suwon FC since 2021.
Park Joo-ho is a player who progressed step by step from small and medium leagues to the big leagues, and is setting a good example for juniors hitting the European stage. It is also welcome in that context that Oh Hyun-kyu (Celtic) and Park Ji-su (Portimonense) moved to the Scottish and Portuguese leagues, respectively, this winter.
Park Joo-ho also welcomed the news of his juniors entering Europe with open arms and insisted that more players should gain more experience in Europe.
Park Joo-ho met with reporters at the Barev Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju on the 7th and said, “It will be very helpful to experience when the opportunity to advance to Europe opens up for players. Collaborating and experiencing is very helpful,” he advised juniors based on his experience.
He added, “Advancing to Europe can be a great motivation for all players. Money is important, but I would like to advise you to go to Europe if you have the opportunity.”
Regarding Oh Hyeon-gyu and Park Ji-soo’s trip to Europe, Park Joo-ho said, “It would be best to play in the big leagues먹튀검증 right away, but it takes time to adapt, so it’s not bad to experience small and medium leagues. In particular, small and medium leagues in Europe are never easy.” “If you succeed in the small and medium leagues and go to the big leagues, you can adapt more safely,” he positively evaluated.
Regarding the choice of Cho Kyu-seong (Jeonbuk), who decided to go to Europe through the summer transfer market after looking for a transfer this winter, he said, “I fully understand. It is best to transfer in the summer.” It is important to prepare for. It is difficult to adapt to the team right away (entering the middle of the season) without sympathy,” he said, encouraging him.
He continued, “When you first enter Europe, you have to find a place to live and adapt to life, and so on. You are bound to feel tired. It was the same when I first entered Switzerland. Also, since it was my first time in Europe, I was excited. I moved in summer rather than winter. It’s a good reason to do it,” he explained based on his own experience.
Park Joo-ho pointed out that the most necessary thing for juniors who are challenging on difficult stages is strong mental strength.
Park Joo-ho said, “The most necessary thing to succeed on the European stage is mentality. Skills are important, but the mental strength to endure in a difficult environment and the mentality to maintain it when you are doing well are very important in Europe.” Other than that, you have to overcome the quiet and lonely time alone.”
Park Joo-ho said, “The clubs also need to be considerate. If the players advance to Europe, they can come back with more growth. I think it can be a good opportunity for both the players and the club.” stressed the need for this.