Surprise selection → 'Great reversal' in 3 World Cup matches... "An incredible thing," Coach Jeong Kyung-ho lavishes praise on Lee Ki-hyeok [Jeonju field]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Starting in all 3 World Cup matches? It's an incredible thing."

Jeong Kyung-ho, head coach of Gangwon FC, praised defender Lee Ki-hyeok, who has been elevated to the starting center-back position for the South Korean national team at the 2026 North America–Central America–Caribbean World Cup.

On the 4th, ahead of Gangwon's away match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Round 16 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 to be held at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Coach Jeong was asked about Lee Ki-hyeok.

The 2026 FIFA North America–Central America–Caribbean World Cup has become an unforgettable tournament for Lee Ki-hyeok. Although South Korea received a disappointing result of failing to advance from the group stage, Lee defied everyone's expectations by making the final roster and securing the starting center-back spot. In all three group-stage matches, Lee started alongside Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich).

Until just before the tournament, Lee Ki-hyeok had only one cap in an A-match. However, he firmly etched his name through the North America–Central America–Caribbean World Cup. After contributing to the 2-1 comeback victory in the first group-stage match against Czechia, U.S. media outlet RotoWire also took notice of Lee. The outlet stated, "Lee Ki-hyeok started as part of a back three alongside Kim Min-jae and Lee Han-beom; among them, he was the least known defender," yet added, "Nevertheless, he performed beyond his share."

Jeong Kyung-ho watched his protégé's performance with satisfaction. Before the match, Coach Jeong said, "Lee Ki-hyeok played well. If someone starts in three consecutive matches, I consider that a good performance. It will become a very valuable asset for Ki-hyeok, and he will continue to grow."

He continued, "Before the first match, he contacted me in advance saying he thought he would start. He mentioned that if we played well in the first game, the atmosphere would change, and he did play well against Czechia. There were a couple of mistakes, but it felt like he was gradually finding his footing. Even after the Czechia match, I believed he could continue to play."

After completing the North America–Central America–Caribbean World Cup, Lee Ki-hyeok returned home through Incheon International Airport on the 1st. Despite a short break, he was included in the substitution list for the Jeonbuk match. Although he could have been left out of the lineup to rest, Coach Jeong praised him as "a player who volunteered himself."

Coach Jeong explained, "Lee Ki-hyeok is a mood-maker for our team. He also seems to provide strength from behind. After returning from the World Cup, there are surely positive atmospheres and experiences gained. We brought him along because we believe he can share those experiences with the squad, embrace the good aspects, discuss the negative ones, and contribute to our team's development."

As it was his first tournament on the world stage, the World Cup was not perfect for him. South Korea also achieved a disappointing result, and Lee Ki-hyeok, while generally maintaining stable defense, committed several mistakes. However, Coach Jeong viewed even these aspects as stepping stones for growth.

Coach Jeong said, "There was one control mistake, which is something that happens to Ki-hyeok from time to time. He himself is well aware of it. It seems his confidence was so high that his focus shifted forward. Still, I consider him to have played well afterward."

He added, "I think Lee Ki-hyeok might be the biggest beneficiary of this World Cup. Personally, he has grown significantly. In fact, it is not easy to travel on the last train to the World Cup and start in three matches. I also went to the World Cup but did not play a single match. However, for Lee Ki-hyeok to have traveled on the last train and played all three matches is an incredible thing."

Now, Lee Ki-hyeok will begin another important schedule with his club team, Gangwon. The result of this match against Jeonbuk is crucial for Gangwon. Currently, Gangwon sits in fourth place, while Jeonbuk is third. The point difference between the two teams is only two points. Depending on the outcome of this match, their standings could change.

Coach Jeong said, "The seven-week World Cup break passed quickly. We prepared as best we could, but we ended up facing a strong team like Jeonbuk right from the first match. It's also an away game. In terms of the race for positions, this match is extremely important for both us and Jeonbuk. I believe our players will perform well, and we will fight."

Regarding how to utilize Lee Ki-hyeok, he stated, "It may depend on Jeonbuk's lineup composition, but for now, we will see how the second half unfolds. We need to pay attention to second-half adjustments." He added, "Lee Ki-hyeok might be a bit tired, but as a national team player, I trust he will fulfill his assigned duties well."

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*This content was translated by AI.