Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung 'playing time' controversy? Friend Kim Jin-soo: "We did contact each other separately, but there was no need to bring up that topic... They are already at the top." [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Jin-soo (34) offered sincere words of comfort to his teammates and younger players from the South Korean national football team who failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup tournament.

On the 5th, Seoul secured a 1-0 victory over Incheon United in their home match during the 16th round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2026' at Seoul World Cup Stadium, thanks to a winning goal by Jung Seung-won.

With this win, Seoul claimed its first victory after a nearly seven-week World Cup break. Leading the table with 35 points (11 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), they are eight points ahead of second-place Ulsan HD.

Starting as a left fullback, Kim Jin-soo tirelessly covered both flanks throughout the match, contributing to both defense and attack. His solid defensive performance helped shut down opposing attacks and played a key role in Seoul's scoreless victory.

In an interview at the mixed zone after the match, Kim Jin-soo said, "We were unable to play as we wanted in the first half, which was somewhat frustrating, and the players recognized this, so they approached the second half with a completely different mindset. I feel it's a pity that we didn't even show half of what we prepared for today. While winning is joyful and happy, we will prepare thoroughly for the next match."

Questions about the World Cup continued. Kim Jin-soo remarked, "Ultimately, it was a disappointing World Cup. Still, as one of the people, I cheered hard. It would have been better if there had been slightly better results, but that is in the past. From the national team's perspective, we must prepare well for what comes next."

Asked about the playing time controversy involving veteran teammates Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung during the tournament, Kim Jin-soo stated, "Heung-min and Jae-sung did contact me separately. However, there was no need to discuss their playing times. Whether they played or not, they are players who have already demonstrated sufficient capability at their club level. They are not players whose form would drop just because they didn't play in a match." He added firmly, "Some say this is their last (World Cup), but I do not believe it is the last for them."

While work on appointing a new national team coach is underway, Kim Jin-soo refrained from commenting on his preferred candidate. He said, "That is not something I should mention. Regardless of which coach arrives, what matters is how much of their desired style of football can be implemented on the field. Players need only do their best to play the kind of football the coach wants."

Kim Jin-soo also offered advice to younger players in the fullback position, a topic that had been widely discussed throughout the tournament. He said, "They must have clearly felt their shortcomings on the World Cup stage. I myself went to the World Cup after turning 30, and it was similar for me. Through this experience, I hope they continue training steadily and grow into players who can contribute even more to South Korean football."

When asked about the roles of fullbacks and wing-backs in a back four or back three formation, Kim Jin-soo replied, "Whether it's a back four or a back three, the basic duty of a defender is ultimately defense. Defenders face the most difficulty because they receive heavy criticism for even one mistake after ten good performances, but they must overcome this on their own."

Kim Jin-soo, who once played as a key fullback for the national team, is now 34 years old. When asked if he still dreams of wearing the Taegeukgi jersey, he revealed his firm determination. Kim Jin-soo said, "Every player dreams of and aims to represent their country until the day they take off their football boots. I also have clear goals and dreams. Wearing the Taegeukgi jersey is a difficult and arduous journey, but until I retire from my playing career, I must continue moving toward that goal."

Finally, offering comfort to World Cup players who were disheartened by the tournament results, Kim Jin-soo said, "I know well that everyone worked harder than anyone else during the preparation period. Since this is not their last chance, I hope they shake off the disappointment and stand up again. Including myself, all of the people offered passionate support with one heart, so I believe they will surely rise again and good days will come."

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*This content was translated by AI.