DOHA, Qatar (AP): Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung's said Sunday his stint with South Korea at the Asian Cup should not affect his form for the rest of the Premier League season.
Park will miss six United matches during the Jan. 7-29 Asian Cup in Qatar. The South Korea captain said "there will be no problem" for Manchester United to continue its push for the Premier League title while he focuses on the national team's quest for the continental crown.
"My club is in good shape and on the right track," Park said ahead of South Korea's opening match against Bahrain at the Asian Cup on Monday. "I am happy to be here and I am focused on the Asian Cup," Park said. "When I go back to Man United I will definitely focus on the club."
Park has been enjoying his best season in the Premier League since joining Manchester United in July 2005. He has scored six times this season, already his highest goal tally, which prompted Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to lament his absence during Park's three-week stint with the national team.
South Korea was Asia's most successful nation at the 2010 World Cup. The South Koreans have qualified for seven consecutive World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 2002.
However, the team has not been able to replicate that kind of consistency at the continental championship. It has never won the Asian Cup but coach Cho Kwang-rae, who was appointed in July, said they aim to change that at the 2011 tournament.
"I believe that players will do a good job," Cho said, adding that he is not burdening his squad with past failures and pressure to win.
In addition to Bahrain, South Korea has been grouped with Australia and India and is one of the favourites in Group C to qualify for the knockout stages and reach at least the semi-finals.
Park echoed to coach's enthusiasm saying that the team will bring its best game to the tournament as it pushes to win the title for the first time.
"The players are united and eager to achieve our target," Park said. As the captain, Park said he also encourages his team to give its best on the pitch.
"I tell the boys they need to enjoy the game and once they are comfortable with their game they will have no problems facing any opponent," Park added.
The Manchester United midfielder missed the 2007 Asian Cup when South Korea exited at the semi-final stage after losing a penalty shootout to eventual champion Iraq. Before travelling to Qatar, Park had indicated the 2011 tournament will mark his international swan song.
His father told the Korean media in December that Park was about to leave the international stage to focus on his club career.
On Sunday, Park refused to say whether this tournament will be his last, saying he will make a decision after the competition.
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