"Lee Kang-in mystery solved — he came to see it firsthand": Spain takes notice as Moreno manager watches Bayern Munich match in person… On Korea national team's struggles, "He is stuck on the right side"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

South Korean national football team head coach Robert Moreno (49) drew attention from local Spanish media after he personally watched a match involving his club to find the best way to utilize Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid).

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on the 5th (Korean time), "Manager Moreno visited the Metropolitano (Atletico's home ground) to solve the 'Lee Kang-in mystery.'"

The outlet explained, "Manager Moreno is still pondering Lee Kang-in's role within the national team. To verify this, he wanted to observe Lee Kang-in, who plays for Atletico, directly."

Atletico lost 0-2 in their home match against Bayern Munich (Germany) on the 4th at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, in the fourth round of the league phase of the 2026~2027 season UEFA Champions League (UCL).

As a result, Atletico recorded one win, one draw, and two losses (four points), adding pressure to their competition for advancement to the next stage. On the other hand, Bayern Munich continued their unbeaten streak with two wins and two draws (eight points).

Both South Korean players from the two teams, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, were left off the starting lineup and began the match on the bench.

Lee Kang-in came on as a substitute for Alex Baena in the 14th minute of the second half. He entered the pitch to inject vitality into the attack but could not prevent Atletico's defeat. Lee Kang-in recorded 22 ball touches and a 93% pass success rate (14/15). He did not register any attacking points.

Kim Min-jae also came on as a substitute in the 34th minute of the second half to play out the match. Entering the pitch while Bayern Munich led 2-0, Kim Min-jae supported the defensive line and contributed to the team's scoreless victory.

Manager Moreno of the South Korean national football team was also present at the stadium that day.

Previously, Manager Moreno had announced his intention to watch this match in person. On the 29th of last month, at the press conference announcing the November A-match roster held at Cheonan Korea Football Park in Chungnam Province, he stated, "I will depart tonight, watch the Atletico match and the Atletico-Bayern Munich game, then move to Portugal to directly watch the FC Porto (Portugal)-Napoli (Italy) match."

It was a plan to directly verify the performance of Hwang In-beom, who plays in Porto, following Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae.

Manager Moreno also mentioned how to utilize Lee Kang-in's position at the time. He said, "I hope Lee Kang-in shows his best performance with the national team," adding, "Currently, he handles various positions such as winger and midfielder at his club. The coaching staff's task is to find out where and in what role Lee Kang-in can show his best form and help him achieve it."

He continued, "The 4-4- formation is merely the shape before the starting whistle blows. Many variables arise during the match," explaining, "If we can get closer to victory by adjusting to the opponent's tactics and game plan, we will implement any tactical changes."

How to utilize Lee Kang-in is considered one of the main tasks for the South Korean national team. This season, Lee Kang-in has been contributing to the attack by moving between the wings and the center at his new club, Atletico. However, he was evaluated as not fully demonstrating the creative attacking play and sharp movements shown at his club during the September~October A-matches.

In particular, there were indications that Lee Kang-in's strengths were not fully coming through in Manager Moreno's 4-4- tactics.

Mundo Deportivo also stated, "The player Manager Moreno particularly wanted to see directly was Lee Kang-in," explaining, "In South Korea, Lee Kang-in is not performing at the national team as well as he does at Atletico, so evaluations of his role are not favorable."

Introducing the tactical debate raised by South Korean media, the outlet reported, "There is a heated debate in South Korea surrounding Manager Moreno's rigid tactical system," adding, "Local media is demanding that Lee Kang-in be allowed more freedom of movement."

It further analyzed, "The current tactical system keeps Lee Kang-in tied to the right wing," stating, "As a result, his movements into the center are restricted. This is one of Lee Kang-in's most powerful weapons."

Ultimately, the homework Manager Moreno must solve is clear. He must find the optimal position and role so that Lee Kang-in can maximize the strengths he shows at his club with the South Korean national team as well.

Manager Moreno is preparing for away friendly matches against Saudi Arabia on the 13th and Qatar on the 17th. Attention is focused on whether Manager Moreno, who has directly observed Lee Kang-in's club match, will find the answer in this A-match window.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original