[On-site Interview] "Lee Kang-in is an excellent player," Simeone and Manchester City manager both acknowledge... Maresca coach says it will help Atletico

*This content was translated by AI.

Following Diego Simeone, the new coach of Spanish club Atletico Madrid, the opposing team's commander also praised Lee Kang-in highly. Enzo Maresca, manager of Manchester City (England), gave a thumbs-up to Lee Kang-in (Atletico), the ace of the South Korean national football team.

Coach Maresca attended the pre-match press conference for the '2026 Coupang Play Series 2 matches' against Atletico Madrid, held on the 8th at Seoul Mokdong Sports Complex. Rico Lewis of Manchester City was also present.

Manchester City will face Atletico at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th. This match is drawing even greater attention as it could be Lee Kang-in's debut wearing an Atletico jersey this summer.

Questions about Lee Kang-in naturally arose from the opposing team's commander. Coach Maresca evaluated, "Lee Kang-in is an excellent player," and added, "I look forward to tomorrow's match against Atletico, including Lee Kang-in."

He further emphasized, "I have no doubt that Lee Kang-in will be a great help to Atletico."

This praise from the opposing coach drew particular attention. Earlier at the same day's press conference, Coach Simeone also expressed his expectations for Lee Kang-in, whom he has newly welcomed as a player.

In particular, Coach Simeone focused on Lee Kang-in's humble attitude. On the previous day, the 7th, Lee Kang-in treated the entire Atletico squad visiting Korea to dinner. About 80 people, including Coach Simeone, coaching staff, players, and club officials, shared this meaningful time together.

Coach Simeone stated, "A person's initial actions are important, and first impressions matter when building relationships," and evaluated, "Lee Kang-in showed from the start what kind of player he is."

He continued, "Seeing such behavior, I could somewhat anticipate how humble a player he is and how prepared he is to play for the team," offering his praise.

He then said, "Lee Kang-in is a hardworking and humble player," emphasizing that "a player with exactly these characteristics is needed at Atletico."

He also expressed expectations regarding how Lee Kang-in will be utilized. Coach Simeone clarified his plan to use Lee Kang-in not by limiting him to a specific position, but in a way that maximizes his strengths. This means leveraging Lee Kang-in's ability to play in various positions.

Atletico officially announced the acquisition of Lee Kang-in on the 25th of last month. The contract period extends until June 2031. Lee Kang-in was also assigned jersey number 7, which Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City) used until last season.

After playing for Valencia and Mallorca, Lee Kang-in joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023 and has now returned to the Spanish stage this summer. He is about to begin another challenge at Atletico.

Coincidentally, there is a high possibility that his first match wearing the new jersey will be held in Korea. Lee Kang-in also solidified his resolve at the press conference on this day, stating, "I will give 120%, not just 100%, for the team."

Manchester City has also undergone significant changes ahead of the new season. Coach Maresca took over the Manchester City helm this summer, succeeding world-renowned manager Pep Guardiola.

While there may be considerable pressure, Coach Maresca instead said, "For me, it is not a burden but a great honor. I consider it a privilege," and added, "I am well aware of how high the expectations are for Manchester City as a club."

He then powerfully stated, "I will do my best to become champions."

He also expressed satisfaction with his chemistry with the new squad. Coach Maresca explained, "When I met the players, they were excellent from the first day. Everyone was ready to accept the new environment and change with an open mind. We spent time getting to know each other over the past one to two weeks. The players are prepared to embrace change."

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*This content was translated by AI.