Shocking even to Japanese observers: Kim Min-jae’s deliberate remarks draw attention... “Furious, he threw his cleats; tense atmosphere in the South Korean national team”

*This content was translated by AI.

The unprecedented deliberate remarks by Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), a “key defender” for the South Korean national football team, have drawn significant attention in Japan as well.

On the 3rd, Japanese media outlet Soccer Digest reported, “South Korea, newly starting under Manager Roberto Moreno, defeated Ecuador 3-0 in its first match but suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat to Uruguay afterward,” adding, “In the match against Venezuela, the attacking line failed to make an impact, resulting in a goalless draw.”

It further highlighted that “criticism from fans and the media has been mounting over the team’s poor performance.”

The outlet noted, “The player who openly expressed his frustration at the stifling team performance was none other than Kim Min-jae, the core of South Korea’s defense.”

The South Korean men’s national football team, led by Manager Roberto Moreno, drew 0-0 against Venezuela in the third match of the four-match Hana Bank Invitational National Team Friendly Series for September and October, held on the 2nd at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

South Korea had announced a promising start to the Moreno era with a 3-0 victory over Ecuador on the 24th of last month, but suffered a heavy 1-4 loss to Uruguay on the 28th. In the match against Venezuela, where a turnaround in momentum was needed, the team ultimately failed to score a single goal.

The frustration was evident even inside the stadium.

In particular, Kim Min-jae, the core of the defense, struggled to hide his emotions.

Substituted in the 35th minute of the second half and heading to the bench, Kim Min-jae threw his cleats on the ground while saying something. This drew even more attention given that Kim Min-jae rarely displays strong emotions.

A similar scene had occurred in the previous match against Uruguay. With South Korea trailing 0-3 at halftime, Kim Min-jae was substituted immediately after the start of the second half, and broadcast footage captured him sitting on the bench with his eyes tightly shut.

After the Venezuela match ended, he unleashed even stronger remarks.

In an interview with a broadcasting station, Kim Min-jae said, “It was a match where a turnaround was needed, but it is regrettable that we could not bring about a result. I think many aspects need to be improved.”

When asked about the back four defense of the Choi Geun (CEO) team, Kim Min-jae brought up the problem with the entire team before discussing the defensive tactics themselves.

He stated, “We should not just talk about the back four; the whole team needs to fight together, compete, and defend, but that part is not working well,” adding bluntly, “It makes me feel sorry for the defenders.”

He continued, “I did not feel a sense of everyone fighting together as a whole,” revealing, “Honestly, even if we had won today’s match 7-0 or 9-0, I probably would not have felt good about it.”

He repeatedly emphasized that this was not an individual problem, but a problem with the “team.”

Kim Min-jae raised his voice, saying, “Above all, it is important for the team to unite as one. Rather than individuals shining, the entire team must shine as one,” adding, “To raise the level of the team, there is nothing we can do but bury our heads and work hard.”

Soccer Digest also gave significant coverage to Kim Min-jae’s actions and remarks.

The outlet reported, “When Kim Min-jae was substituted in the 34th minute of the second half and returned to the bench, he threw his cleats on the ground while saying something,” adding, “In his post-match interview, he urged his teammates to strive harder with unreserved remarks.”

It further expressed that “an unusual atmosphere has already begun to pervade the new South Korean national team.”

Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean national team, also reacted to Kim Min-jae’s remarks.

Son Heung-min said, “I think we all share the same feelings. Attackers and defenders will have their own perspectives,” adding, “I understand Min-jae’s feelings.”

He continued, “Because the defenders are holding the line firmly from behind, I believe the attackers need to perform better,” conveying, “As captain and as a teammate, I feel both sorry and grateful.”

The Moreno squad has recorded one win, one draw, and one loss in its last three matches. The 3-0 victory over Ecuador, the 1-4 defeat to Uruguay, and the 0-0 draw with Venezuela showed clear fluctuations in results and performance content just by looking at the scores.

South Korea will play its final match of this four-match series against Uzbekistan on the 6th at 8 p.m. at Yongin Mireu Stadium. It is time for a turnaround in momentum.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.