'Lee Seung-woo left out of World Cup squad' Coach Jeong Jeong-yong: "It's a pity; there are no players of that type..." [Jeonju field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jeong Jeong-yong, head coach of K League 1's Jeonbuk Hyundai, stated, "As a coach, I am disappointed," regarding Lee Seung-woo (28, Jeonbuk) being left out of the final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 15 match against Kim Cheon (SVP) at Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 4:40 p.m. on the 17th, Coach Jeong said, "In fact, there are not many players of that type."

Lee Seung-woo was not included in the final 26-man roster for the North American World Cup announced the previous day. Given his recent performances with his club and his playing style, there was hope he might be unexpectedly selected as a joker, but he was not part of Coach Hong Myung-bo's plan.

Coach Jeong added, "We have used Lee Seung-woo in various ways, sometimes bringing him on in the second half and other times in the first half, depending on the opponent. He worked hard himself, so (his exclusion from the World Cup) is disappointing," and noted, "I have not yet spoken with Lee Seung-woo about his World Cup exclusion."

Although Lee Seung-woo was left out, Kim Jin-gyu and Song Beom-geun, who had consistently been called up by Coach Hong Myung-bo, were included in the final World Cup roster. Coach Jeong Jeong-yong said, "I told them that every time they go to the national team, they must compete with good form and good performance, just as they do at Na Ra-reul (CEO)."

Regarding today's match against Gimcheon, he said, "Many fans came to the home stadium. Naturally, we must deliver a good performance and secure a result; that is what we must do," and added, "I heard the game is sold out. On such days, our players will perform even better. The players will work hard and give their best both physically and mentally."

In response, Joo Seung-jin, head coach of Gimcheon, said, "Although it is Jeonbuk, we are refining the parts we prepared for since the beginning of the season in more detail," and added, "We are planning to execute attacks more directly and quickly."

Coach Joo explained, "Our concept is to draw the opponent in and then exploit the space behind them. We discussed simplifying their movement patterns to enhance competitiveness in areas such as rebound battles."

Coach Joo Seung-jin reflected, "I think it is true that details determine the outcome. Football is a game where you must score one more goal to win, and I realized that we must pay close attention to such aspects and train hard to create a difference. I felt strongly during the first half that defense must be fundamentally solid."

Today, Jeonbuk will field Mo-tta at the forefront, with Lee Seung-woo, Kang Sang-yoon, and Lee Dong-jun in the second line. Kim Jin-gyu and Oberdan will operate in midfield. The defensive line will consist of Choi Woo-jin, Kim Ha-jun, Kim Young-bin, and Kim Taehyun, while Song Beom-geun will guard the goal.

Gimcheon will start with Lee Geon-hee and Park Se-jin as the striking duo. Kim Ju-chan, Park Tae-jun, Im Deok-geun, and Ko Jae-hyun will form the midfield line. The defensive line will be built by Park Cheol-woo, Lee Jung-taek, Byun Jun-su, and Kim Tae-hwan, with Baek Jong-beom in goal.

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*This content was translated by AI.