[On-site Interview] Coach Simeone Already Captivated by Lee Kang-in's 'Humility': "This Is the Kind of Player Atlético Needs"

*This content was translated by AI.

Diego Simeone, head coach of Atlético Madrid, did not hide his expectations for newly signed player Lee Kang-in.

Coach Simeone and Lee Kang-in attended the pre-match press conference for the "2026 Coupang Play Series Match 2" against Manchester City (England), held on the 8th at Seoul Mokdong Stadium.

Simeone first stated, "I would like to express my gratitude for this opportunity. It is a great honor to play a match here in Korea. I am looking forward to the game against Manchester City."

Among the many questions directed at Coach Simeone, who led Atlético to Korea, one stood out: the "newcomer" Lee Kang-in.

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, Atlético officially announced the signing of Lee Kang-in. His contract runs until June 2031. Lee Kang-in was also assigned the iconic number 7 jersey, symbolizing the team's ace. According to local reports, the transfer fee is a base 35 million euros (approximately 58 billion won), with additional options attached.

One of Lee Kang-in's strengths is his ability to play in various positions. He can operate across all areas of midfield and also support the front-line strikers from a second-line role.

Regarding how he plans to utilize Lee Kang-in, Coach Simeone said, "Lee Kang-in himself has expressed a desire to help the club. As a coach, I want players to grow. I am ready to assist him as well. I will do everything I can to help Lee Kang-in deliver excellent performances for the club."

However, he did not assign a specific position in advance. Coach Simeone remarked, "I have watched Lee Kang-in through video footage, but playing alongside him on the same team is entirely different. We need to see how efficiently he can showcase his strengths and advantages."

He further explained, "Rather than locking him into a fixed position, our focus will be on finding ways to maximize Lee Kang-in's strengths."

Lee Kang-in made his professional debut in Valencia, Spain. He then moved through Mallorca before joining the world-renowned club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023. At PSG, he won multiple trophies, including league titles, and reached the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final twice. This summer, he switched to Atlético's jersey to embark on a new challenge.

Attention now turns to Lee Kang-in's debut match for Atlético. On the 9th, Atlético will face Manchester City in the "2026 Coupang Play Series" at Seoul World Cup Stadium. There is a possibility that Lee Kang-in will make his debut for Atlético in front of Korean football fans.

Atlético also visited Korea three years ago through the Coupang Play Series. However, the atmosphere this time is expected to be significantly different. With Lee Kang-in, a star representing Korean football, now wearing the Atlético jersey, the team can expect much stronger support from domestic fans than before.

Coach Simeone expressed hope for this shift. He smiled and said, "When we came to Korea three years ago, I think there were more fans wearing Manchester City jerseys. But tomorrow's match, I expect more fans will be wearing Atlético jerseys."

Immediately after joining his new team, Lee Kang-in left a strong impression off the field as well. On the previous day, the 7th, he hosted a dinner for the Atlético squad, marking a generous "initiation ceremony."

The Atlético club also officially shared news of Lee Kang-in's dinner treat on its official website. The club stated, "Lee Kang-in arranged a dinner for the entire Atlético squad based in Seoul. About 80 people attended. It was a gesture of gratitude for being warmly welcomed from his very first day as an Atlético player."

The scale was considerable. Coach Simeone, along with coaching staff, players, and club employees, gathered together. According to the club, attendees experienced traditional Korean cuisine together and took group photos after the meal.

Coach Simeone was also deeply impressed by Lee Kang-in's actions. He said, "The first impression a person makes is important, especially when building relationships. Lee Kang-in showed from the very beginning what kind of player he is."

He continued, "Seeing such behavior allowed us to gauge how humble this player is and how prepared he is to play for the team."

Coach Simeone emphasized, "Lee Kang-in is a hardworking and humble player. That is exactly the kind of player Atlético needs."

Although Coach Simeone has not yet spent much time with Lee Kang-in, his expectations are clear. He outlined plans to maximize Lee Kang-in's strengths rather than confine him to a specific position. He also gave high marks not only for the player's skills but also for his attitude of prioritizing the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.