S. Korean coach signs one-year deal to head Japanese team

INCHEON, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean football coach said Wednesday he has signed a one-year deal to lead a Japanese club next year, hoping his overseas stint will improve his chances of qualifying as coach of the Olympic squad.
Chang Woe-ryong, who headed Incheon United FC from 2004 until this year, told
reporters at a news conference that he has agreed to lead Omiya Ardija of Japan's
top-tier J-League next year.
"I need to improve my competitiveness and brave risks because I am someone who
dreams of being an Olympic coach," Chang, 49, said, drawing out a photo of South
Korean baseball players rejoicing after they clinched a gold medal at the Beijing
Games in August.
"This is the defining photo that made me decide to go to Japan," Chang said,
hoping his experience in the more competitive overseas league will better qualify
him to head South Korea's 2012 Olympic squad.
Chang is coming off the South Korean team one year before his contract with it
expires. The K-League team, based in the city of Incheon just west of Seoul, has
expressed its willingness to support Chang's decision.
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