“The national team experience…I felt it more through emotions than words.”
Gwangju FC midfielder Lee Sun-min spoke to reporters after the team’s away match against Seoul in the 30th round of the Hana One Q K League 2023 at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday.
Lee, who started as a central midfielder, was the core of Gwangju’s attacking football and shook up the opponent’s defense throughout the game with strong midfield pressure and organic passing.
“We didn’t have a win against Seoul this season, and I thought it would be tough because it was an away game, but in the end, we got three points,” Lee said.
Lee Soon-min earned her first cap for the national team under Jürgen Klinsmann.
Still jet-lagged, Lee said, “I feel like I’m waking up at dawn to play,” but she tries to take it positively because it was a grateful experience that allowed her to grow as a player. If you call me back to the national team, I’ll go to Gwangju to play,” he laughed.
“I was influenced by the environment, training and playing in a team with good players, and the fact that many of our opponents also represented their country and played in the English Premier League (EPL),” Lee said.
“I don’t know how to describe it, but I definitely felt it,” he said, adding, “I don’t think it’s something you can learn in writing, but you feel it.”
“To make a long story short, they’re really good,” he said, adding, “I feel like they’re not out of reach. I saw hope that with a little more effort, I could be in the same position as them and be more confident,” he said, his eyes sparkling.
Along with their newfound confidence, they also tried to stay humble.
“I think I should be more humble rather than arrogant,” said Lee, “I saw the hope that if I knew my deficiencies and filled them, I could definitely become better. At this point, I’m going to focus more on the things I need to do.”
“It’s hard to adjust to jet lag, but I think it’s all about the mindset,” he said, adding that he had a mature attitude, “I tried my best to prepare, think, and not think about being tired.”
Lee made his A-match debut aboard the Klinsmann in an exhibition match against Wales on Aug. 8, coming on as a substitute for Hwang In-beom (Zvezda) in the 16th minute of the second half, and then came on as a late substitute in stoppage time against Saudi Arabia on Aug. 13.
“I had a meeting with coach Klinsmann and he told me what he wanted from me and my role,” Lee said, “and he told me to be tough, press the opponent, bother them, and harass them on the pitch.”
Regarding his position, he said, “I think the position (slightly forward) is exactly what Coach Klinsmann wanted,” explaining, “He expected that Hwang In-beom, who didn’t play well in the preseason, would have a hard time playing full-time, so he wanted me to do a little more.”
“It was an unfamiliar position, but I was very honored to be given the opportunity,” he said, adding, “I don’t think I need to make any excuses as a professional player, whether it’s for Gwangju or the national team. I will do my best to show more in the stadium.”
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t conscious of it, but I tried not to be as conscious as possible,” said Klinsmann, who watched the game himself. “I thought it was essentially a team win because the team did well and I was selected for the national team. I tried to play with more dedication,” 바카라사이트 he reflected.
“If I have the opportunity to make the national team again in the future, I will try to show my versatility and play the way the team wants me to play,” he said.
As for his new experience on the national team, he laughed and said, “Everything was an episode,” and added, “I was impressed from the moment I was about to eat breakfast and (Son) Heung-min was cooking rice right in front of me.” “He was also the captain, so he told me, ‘If you need anything, feel free to ask,’ and I have nothing but grateful memories.”
Before the game, Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo said, “Lee Soon-min, who went to the national team, became a reset, so I caught him again and gave him feedback.”
In response, Lee Soon-min said, “I couldn’t continue what I was doing in Gwangju because I went to a new team,” and pointed out that it was necessary to adjust to the hard work of the remaining players during the break.
“I apologized because it was my mistake to act too much,” said Lee Sun-min, who had friction with Ki Sung-yong (Seoul) during the game and apologized to him afterwards. “I was grateful that he accepted my apology and said something better. I think I need to show more maturity in the future.” 슬롯사이트