“Military service issue?” Coach Lee Min-seong pushes back firmly on Japan: “Playing with the U-23 national team? There’s no problem at all…” [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

The off-field psychological battle is already heating up. Lee Min-seong, head coach of the South Korea men’s national football team aiming for a third consecutive Asian Games title, made his position clear regarding comparisons over the age composition differences between the two national teams ahead of the final match against Japan, revealing strong wariness toward the Japanese side.

The Japanese media outlet “Football Zone” reported on the 2nd that “the U-21 Japan national team led by Coach Owa Koji will face the U-23 South Korea national team in the Asian Games final on October 3,” adding, “Lee Min-seong, head coach of South Korea, who attended the pre-match press conference, refuted point by point the comparison of the squad compositions of the two national teams while also highly evaluating Japan’s playing ability.”

In this tournament, South Korea fielded a strong squad consisting of players aged 23 and under along with three wildcards in pursuit of the gold medal. In contrast, host nation Japan sent its U-21 national team to prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics two years from now.

According to “Football Zone,” a local Japanese reporter mentioned the age difference between the two teams’ squads, and Lee Min-seong responded, “It is in accordance with the tournament regulations. It is merely a difference in each country’s national team strengthening policy.” He added, “Japan has a policy looking ahead to the Olympics, while South Korea also has the realistic factor of military service exemption. It is illogical to simply compare and discuss this matter.”

He did not hide his deep wariness toward Japan, their final opponent. The coach stated, “In the past, Japan focused on precise combination play centered around short passes, but now they also possess physicality and strong tackling ability.” He continued, “They maintain their unique strengths, such as utilizing half-spaces. They are a team with an exceptionally high level of match sense and playing ability.”

Regarding the local operational shortcomings that led to the cancellation of official training due to pitch grass conditions and the inability to change the training venue, he showed a composed attitude, saying, “As it is an away match, such things can happen at any time.”

He then explained regarding Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC), the key midfielder who missed the semifinal against China, “He has played an excellent role as the center of the team. After observing the final training and his condition, we will consult with the medical staff to decide whether he will play.”

The coach vowed, “We have poured a lot of time into this single match.” He added, “A complete away environment is expected where the opposing home fans’ one-sided support pours in, but it is most important for the players to maintain their composure and play our own game. We will achieve the best result and end on a high note.”

Japanese netizens left positive comments through “Yahoo Japan” regarding Coach Lee Min-seong’s interview, stating, “The South Korean coach is completely right. There is no problem at all since they played according to the regulations; it is merely in accordance with each association’s strengthening policy,” “Military service can be a fatal career gap for football players. It is natural for coaches and players to stake everything on protecting their careers,” and “We should purely congratulate the team that fought fairly within the rules and won. We hope both teams play fair without injuries.”

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*This content was translated by AI.