HERRIMAN, United States, May 29 (Yonhap) -- The head coach of South Korea's men's football team expressed his surprise regarding the resignation announcement made by the Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu, who plans to step down after the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Chung's Unexpected Decision

Chung Mong-gyu revealed his intention to resign after the World Cup during a video conference with head coach Hong Myung-bo, just two hours before the announcement. This news came while Hong and his players were training in Utah for the tournament, which is set to begin with South Korea's first match against Czechia on June 11 in Mexico.

"It came out of nowhere, and I was surprised," Hong stated to reporters at the Zions Bank Training Center. He emphasized that the team would continue their preparations as planned, having already held a meeting to discuss their approach moving forward.

Team's Response to the News

When asked about the players' reactions to Chung's resignation offer, Hong noted that the atmosphere remained stable. "I think it's OK. I can see today that the guys are just going about their business, and I didn't get the sense that they were rattled by this news," he remarked.

Chung's decision to resign just days before a major tournament is highly unusual for a national football federation leader. As part of their final preparations, South Korea is scheduled to face Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly match at BYU South Field on Saturday evening.

Player Adjustments Ahead of the World Cup

In terms of player strategy, Hong indicated that Jens Castrop, a midfielder with a Korean mother, is likely to start as a wingback. While Castrop has previously played as a midfielder for the national team, Hong plans to utilize his versatility to strengthen the team's formation. Castrop has shown promise on the wing for his club Borussia Monchengladbach, although injuries have limited Hong's ability to test him in that role during previous matches.

As the South Korean team gears up for the World Cup, they remain focused on their training and preparation, despite the unexpected leadership change within the KFA.