(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Young-ho = "I think I would be making a rather rash and reckless choice if I placed Lee Kang-in in a position different from that of his team."
Roberto Moreno, interim coach of the Korean national soccer team, who achieved a pleasant victory in his 'debut match as head coach' against Ecuador, emphasized that he would appoint Lee Kang-in (Atlético Madrid), 'the core of the second-line attack', in the most optimal position in the friendly match against Uruguay.
Coach Moreno said at an official press conference held a day before the warm-up match with Uruguay at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 27th, "Uruguay is a strong team, so we expect strong pressure like Ecuador. Uruguay also lost the previous game and will burn their desire to win to prove their original form. We also have to show our best."
Our national team (32nd in FIFA rankings), which defeated Ecuador 3-0 on the 24th, will face Uruguay (20th in FIFA rankings), the second opponent of the four-game A-match series in September and October, at 8 p.m. on the 28th at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Coach Moreno first emphasized that the 30 players called up to the national team are following his instructions well.
He said, "It is not easy to share the coach's football philosophy and ideas with the players in a short period of time. The coaching staff tried to convey them as much as possible. As they are outstanding players, they are immediately implementing them on the pitch based on their experience and abilities."
He explained, "As the coaching staff cannot point out every situation, it is important for the players to find solutions, make decisions, and play on their own."
When Lee Kang-in, who also attended the press conference on this day, asked about 'how to use', Coach Moreno gave a principled answer, saying, "I will let people enjoy soccer in the position they play best."
Lee Kang-in missed the game against Ecuador to recover his condition, and is expected to start against Ecuador as he holds an official press conference today.
Lee Kang-in plays both an attacking midfielder and winger at Atletico Madrid.
Coach Moreno said, "What I expect from Lee Kang-in is for him to show the best performance he has shown in his team on the national team," and added, "If I were to place him in a position different from the position where he is playing happily and showing his best performance, I would be making a rash and reckless choice."
He added, “I will make sure that Lee Kang-in, like his other teammates, shows his best and has fun playing soccer on the field.”
Regarding the composition of the players for the game against Uruguay, Coach Moreno said, "My principle is that the players should know first who will play in the game. The main characters are the players," and "I cannot reveal whether a specific player will play or not."
However, he explained, "As we have to play four games in a short period of time, we have to consider the physical condition and injury situation of the players. As some players are joining the national team for the first time, we want to give all players a chance. The participating players will be able to check in person on the day of the game."
