'Hong Myung-bo's Cinderella' Lee Ki-hyeok: "Confident in Three-Back System... Only Thinking of Performing Well at the World Cup" [Departure Scene for World Cup]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Ki-hyeok (26, Gangwon FC), who emerged as the biggest surprise in the final roster, has finally taken his first step toward his first-ever World Cup finals stage.

The first squad of the South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, departed on the afternoon of the 18th through the second terminal of Incheon International Airport for Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, their pre-camp location.

Among the domestic players from the K League and coaching staff who gathered that day, the most prominent figure was undoubtedly Lee Ki-hyeok.

The team, which had only one A-match appearance in July 2022 at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship, had not been closely connected with Lee Ki-hyeok for a long time. Since then, Lee Ki-hyeok has played as a starting central defender for Gangwon FC, leading the backline build-up with his unique precise passing skills and excellent football intelligence in 13 league matches this season, earning a sudden selection by head coach Hong Myung-bo and making it onto the final World Cup roster.

Meeting reporters at the airport departure hall before departure, Lee Ki-hyeok shared his thoughts, saying, "I started to feel a bit more real since being called up to the hotel," and added, "Now that I've been called up to the national team, I'm only thinking about quickly building chemistry with my teammates and preparing to perform well at the World Cup."

Regarding his selection this time, he said, "I set big personal goals at the start of the season, and as I achieved them one by one, I ended up setting even bigger goals," and added, "I believe head coach Hong Myung-bo selected me because he saw my good performances. I must continue to show even better performances on the big stage of the World Cup," reaffirming his determination.

In particular, head coach Hong Myung-bo had praised Lee Ki-hyeok during the press conference announcing the final roster, stating, "I watched Gangwon's matches, and the core of Gangwon's tactics was Lee Ki-hyeok."

Responding to this, Lee Ki-hyeok said, "It's a natural thought for a player to show good performances regardless of position," and added, "This year, I played mostly as a center-back for my club, so I can play on either the left or center of the three-back system under head coach Hong Myung-bo," expressing his confidence.

Regarding his own strengths, he explained, "While my multi-ability and left-footed kicks are good, I focused on building stability as a defender ahead of this season," and added, "I believe I can only earn recognition if my defense is solid. I will focus on showing stable defense without mistakes on the big stage."

He also added his resolve to overcome past regrets from previous national team call-ups. Lee Ki-hyeok said, "In previous call-ups, I was too nervous and couldn't show my full potential," and added, "This time, my father advised me not to get too excited, to act with seriousness, and not to make mistakes. I will go without being nervous and show everything I can do."

Lee Ki-hyeok also said, "Becoming close with my teammates quickly without awkwardness is the top priority. I need to take the initiative to close the distance so I can naturally blend into the team and perform well in matches."

He did not forget to express gratitude to his club, Gangwon. Lee Ki-hyeok said, "This is the first time I've received so much attention and sincere support, so I am very grateful," and added, "I will definitely repay you with good performances on the World Cup stage so that the fans' support is not in vain."

The first squad of the national team that departed through Incheon International Airport that day included 12 players in total: Lee Ki-hyeok, Bae Jun-ho, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Dong-kyung, Baek Seung-ho, Kim Jin-gyu, Kim Moon-hwan, Cho Hyun-woo, Song Beom-geun, and others who made the final roster, as well as Yoon Gi-wook, Jo Wi-je, and Kang Sang-yoon, who will serve as training partners by participating in both the pre-camp and finals schedule.

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*This content was translated by AI.