Asian Cup 2015: North Korea say Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un encouraging them with ‘deep love’

NORTH Korea has vowed to win the 2015 Asian Cup for their Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, who’s encouraging them from afar with “deep love”.

Pictured is coach Jo Tong Sop with players from the North Korea football team during a training session at Leichhardt Oval ahead of their opening Asian Cup match. Picture: Richard Dobson

NORTH Korea has vowed to win the 2015 Asian Cup for Kim Jong-Un, who’s encouraging them from afar with “deep love”.

‘Chollima’ coach Tong-Sop Jo defended his defensive approach in the 1-0 loss to Uzbekistan on Saturday, accusing the players of switching off.

The Asian Cup’s most mysterious team plays Saudi Arabia in a must-win Group B game on Wednesday night at AAMI Park.

Kim Jong-Un is a ‘passionate’ fan of the North Korea national team.

Jo denied that the supreme leader is ‘hands on’ in matchday decisions, but said his input was invaluable.

“Our players are very grateful to see our general leader Kim Jung-un visited and attended football matches in our country in previous camps.

“We did not see him before we left our country, he keeps giving us very valuable instructions about many things like training and taking care of the players so we are very thankful for that.

“We are very much encouraged and feel a deep love from the general leader and he’s really encouraging us. It’s not easy to make personal visits to the national team.

“We are now here and we are committed to winning this tournament.

“He is passionate, as passionate as the other leaders in any other country.

“It’s not technical advice, it’s general advice and government support he gives us.’’

Originally published as Asian Cup 2015: North Korea say Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un encouraging them with ‘deep love’