“Oh Hyun-kyu will learn a lot from Celtic.”
Jurgen Klinsmann, national team coach, cheered for Oh Hyun-kyu, who is having an adjustment period at Celtic. Coach Klinsman watched Round 32 of the Scottish Premiership in the 2022-2023 season between Kilmarnock and Celtic held at Rugby Park in Kilmarnock, Scotland on the 16th at 8:00 pm (Korean time). It was to see Oh Hyun-gyu. Coach Klinsman went to Europe to check the Europeans. The day before, he visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, and watched ‘Captain’ Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min scored the opening goal against Bournemouth. Heung-Min Son, encouraged by Klinsmann, scored two goals in a row.
The next turn was Oh Hyun-gyu스포츠토토 Oh Hyun-kyu left Suwon Samsung through the January transfer window and wore a Celtic uniform. Oh Hyun-gyu, who showed great performance in the second half of last season, was also selected for the Qatar World Cup national team. Although he was on the reserve list, he learned a lot and Celtic, who noticed his potential, spent a lot of money to recruit Oh. Oh Hyun-gyu became an official member of the national team with a one-step growth, and was substituted before Klinsman’s debut as coach.As coach Klinsman was a world-class striker during his active career, the local media also showed interest. In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Kilmarnock match, Klinsmann said, “I visited Europe for 10 days to watch Korean players. Yesterday I visited Tottenham to watch Son Heung-min, and now I have the opportunity to watch Celtic’s young striker. “Oh Hyun-kyu starts on the bench, but I want to play.” I’m curious about his performance,” he said.
Coach Klinsman had an early rapport with coach Postecoglu. Coach Postecoglu said, “Coach Klinsman was a great player during his active career. He said, “Recently, I exchanged opinions with coach Klinsman, and he was really happy with Oh Hyun-gyu. Coach Klinsman said he wanted to watch Oh Hyun-gyu’s game and told him that a match against Kilmarnock would be appropriate.”
He then said that he had no doubt that Oh Hyun-gyu would grow up at Celtic. Klinsmann said the move to Celtic was “definitely positive” and said: “It’s not easy for a young player to get a chance to play for a huge club like Celtic. You have to compete to play, but you will learn a lot.” He continued, “I want to encourage young players to go to Europe. I want them to try their best once they come here, no matter what happens.”
Oh Hyun-gyu was replaced in place of Furuhashi in the second half of the day. Amid Kilmarnock’s strong counterattack, Oh Hyun-kyu created an opportunity with diligent movements. In the 21st minute of the second half, a cross from the left rushed to the goal as Oh Hyun-kyu competed with the defender. He tried to reach out, but unfortunately failed to score as the ball did not reach. In the 26th minute of the second half, Oh Hyun-kyu raised his foot high during the contest on the center circle side, hit the back of the opponent’s head, and received a warning. Oh Hyun-kyu had a decisive opportunity five minutes later. In the 31st minute of the second half, a low and fast cross from the right was brought to the door. However, he went off the side of the goal and ended up in vain.Afterwards, Celtic had several decisive chances, but failed to score an extra goal and finished with a 4-1 victory. Celtic, who went undefeated in 25 matches, including 12 consecutive wins, kept the lead with 91 points (30 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss). After losing 1-5 in the European Champions League group stage against Real Madrid on November 3 last year, they are on a tremendous rise with 24 wins and 1 draw. The only draw was the Old Firm derby against Rangers in January. The difference between the 2nd place Rangers (79 points) reaches 12 points.Oh Hyun-gyu failed to accumulate attack points that day. Oh Hyun-kyu recorded 1 shot and 5 passes. It received a poor rating of 5.8 from Whoscored.com. Oh Hyun-gyu is currently wearing a Celtic uniform and is recording 3 goals (2 league goals, 1 goal in the cup). Postecoglu coach Postecoglu said, “Oh Hyeon-gyu played well for 45 minutes. He played hard and there were physical fights. His movements were a bit disappointing, but Oh Hyeon-gyu will continue to improve.” He continued, “Coach Klinsman wants to keep an eye on Oh Hyun-kyu. I’m sure Oh Hyun-kyu will become a key player in Klinsman’s managerial system.”