'Something is off' — South Korea's national soccer team atmosphere in disarray: "We must bury our heads and fight" → "I don't even know what the future holds..."

*This content was translated by AI.

The internal mood within the Republic of Korea national soccer team is far from calm. Following core defender Kim Min-jae's (Bayern Munich) passionate and harsh criticism, midfield key player Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) also voiced a sense of powerlessness while on the verge of tears, indicating that the squad's dissatisfaction and anxiety have reached their limit.

The South Korean national team, led by interim coach Roberto Moreno, drew 0-0 in a friendly match against Venezuela held at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium on the 2nd, ending with sluggish performance.

Following their 3-0 victory over Ecuador on the 24th of last month and their 1-4 defeat to Uruguay on the 28th, they failed to secure a win against Venezuela, ranked 48th in the FIFA rankings. The team's record in the three matches since Moreno took charge is one win, one draw, and one loss.

It was a poor performance beyond what the scoreline suggested. On this day, South Korea managed only one shot in the first 45 minutes of the match and was significantly outgunned in total shots, losing 7-12, ceding control throughout the game. The players' reactions during and after the match fully exposed deep fractures and a sense of crisis within the team.

In particular, Kim Min-jae, who was substituted off in the 35th minute of the second half, expressed extreme anger by violently throwing his cleats as soon as he returned to the bench. Having played in all three A-matches this time, Kim Min-jae stated in a broadcast interview, "This is not the time to argue about the back-four tactic. The entire team needs to unite and defend together, but that is completely absent," adding, "From behind, it's pitiful for the defenders. Even if we had won 7-0 or 9-0 today, I would not have felt good at all," directly criticizing the complacent attitude.

Even more sharply, Kim Min-jae delivered a stinging remark: "Rather than individuals trying to shine, we must act as one team and bury our heads to fight."

An even deeper sigh emerged from midfield commander Hwang In-beom. Having recovered from a calf injury and making his first appearance of the day, playing 80 minutes, Hwang bowed his head in the mixed zone, fully agreeing with Kim Min-jae's comments: "The defenders really did well, so it must have been frustrating for (Kim) Min-jae. The players up front need to strive even harder."

Hwang then directly criticized structural issues and administrative gaps outside the pitch, speaking through tears. In his ninth year as a national team player, he said, "There is no one to help us. The president is absent, and with the coach being in an interim system, it is not easy for players who do not know what the future holds," adding, "There are clearly many visible problems, but there is no one to step up. We have not found answers regarding external matters. I am exhausted both physically and mentally."

The atmosphere within the national team appears to have rapidly frozen over, compounded by a lack of motivation, administrative gaps, and declining morale among the players.

The Korea Football Association granted the squad overnight leave and rest following the match against Venezuela. The team will reconvene at Korea Football Park on the 4th. Amidst the gloomy atmosphere, Moreno's side will play their final match of the four-game series against Uzbekistan at Yongin Mireu Stadium on the 6th.

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*This content was translated by AI.