New soccer coach Dick Advocaat says the national team is as strong as it was in 2002.

In an interview with Dutch news agency ANP Wednesday, Advocaat said the team retains six to seven members of the 2002 World Cup squad, and that they and Europe-based players will help in next year's tournament.

He said he was not surprised at the offer from the Korea Football Association, adding he was its top candidate and was greatly impressed by the prospect of leading the team to the 2006 World Cup.

On his abrupt flight as coach of United Arab Emirates, he said he did not dislike the Arab country, but found the KFA offer too good to resist.

On his reputation for clashing with news media, he said he expects no problems with South Korean reporters, saying it is good that they cannot understand Dutch.