'As expected, Manchester City is different,' Lee Seung-woo said after experiencing it firsthand: "How can I be the same as players earning 20 to 30 billion won? They are a world-class team." [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Seung-woo (28, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) of Team K League, who faced off against Manchester City, shared vivid impressions after completing his fourth personal appearance in the Coupang Play Series.

After finishing the first match of the 2026 Coupang Play Series between Manchester City and Team K League at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th, Lee Seung-woo met with reporters in the mixed zone, saying, "The weather was so hot that it was really tough." He added, "Since we played against a team that excels at ball possession, I became physically exhausted from defending."

Team K League lost 1-3 to Manchester City after a high-scoring first half with four goals. Lee Seung-woo said, "I hoped the match would be enjoyable for fans who came in large numbers, with many goals scored." He added, "However, due to the hot weather, both the players running on the field and the fans watching found it difficult."

Lee Seung-woo was substituted into the second half and immediately led Team K League's attack with sharp passes. When asked about the gap he personally felt between his team and Manchester City, Lee replied, "Of course, the difference is huge. How could I be the same as players earning 20 to 30 billion won in salary?" He continued, "It's not something that can be easily overcome just by preparing specially for such a team. Since this was an all-star match, I wanted to play without injury and enjoy the game."

Lee Seung-woo has extensive experience playing in Europe, having passed through the youth academy of Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona before competing with Hellas Verona (Italy) and Sint-Truiden (Belgium). Having appeared in the Coupang Play Series for four consecutive years from 2022 to this year, Lee said, "For players, this is truly a great opportunity." He added, "Competing against world-class teams like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Atlético Madrid provides immense experience for young players."

He further emphasized, "Since there are players who have used this platform as a stepping stone to move abroad, I believe it greatly contributes to the development of Korean football."

The most meaningful moment for Lee Seung-woo that day was facing off against and sharing the field with senior Ki Sung-yueng (Pohang Steelers). Playing together in the second half after being substituted simultaneously, Lee said, "It's been a very long time since we played together." He added, "He is someone I have respected since childhood, and we even played together on the national team. Thinking that today might be our last game together made my heart feel sad."

Lee also shared, "During the call-up period, we stayed together constantly, sharing meals, drinking coffee, eating mango shaved ice, and having many conversations." He expressed affectionately, "He cares deeply for his juniors and genuinely cares about Korean football. Even after retiring from his playing career, he will be a person who greatly helps Korean football. I spent each day happily with Sung-yueng hyung."

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*This content was translated by AI.