After Pohang Steelers lost 0-2 to Johor Darul Ta'zim at home in the AFC Champions League Elite, veteran player Ki Sung-yueng spoke in an interview.

On the 0-2 loss to Johor Darul Ta'zim

It's really disappointing. It's been a while since we played at home, but we didn't perform well. I feel sorry to the fans. We've lost our last two matches. There's still a possibility of advancing to the K League Championship Round, but it's not entirely in our control. The match this weekend is crucial. We must fight until the end. Regardless of the result, we have to accept it. We'll prepare with all our effort so we have no regrets.

Question: K League teams participating in the AFC Champions League Elite often struggle against opponents' intense high pressing. Today, you also suffered greatly from Johor's intense high pressing.

Today, the opposing team certainly applied intense high pressing. We struggled to break through it with passes. When opponents press intensely, you should target the space behind the press. We couldn't execute that well either. The pressing intensity was definitely higher than what we face in the K League. In Asian football, including Japan, more teams are adopting intense high pressing. I'm not sure how to solve this problem. Players should become accustomed to this type of pressure. Then, when facing intense pressure in matches, they'll be more comfortable breaking through it.

Question: Johor's starting lineup today had nine foreign players. While the K League has no limit on registering foreign players this season, there is a limit on how many can play. Should the K League increase the number of foreign players allowed to participate in matches to improve the league's competitiveness?

I'm not sure about that. If foreign players increase, the league's quality would improve. However, it could reduce opportunities for domestic players and hinder their development. I don't know what the right answer is. Look at the Saudi Pro League. There are many world-class players. The influx of excellent foreign talent has raised the league's level. But when asked whether "domestic Saudi players' quality has improved proportionally," I have doubts about that.

Question: You have experience with the world's best football—the Premier League. Hasn't the Premier League grown into the world's best league by actively opening its doors?

Yes. The Premier League has achieved remarkable growth through the addition of excellent players and coaches. The K League could also develop by opening its doors more actively. If investment increases and top players join, the competitive level will undoubtedly improve. However, it's difficult to directly compare the Premier League and K League. The difference in financial power is very significant. The issue of increasing foreign players should be examined comprehensively, taking various factors into consideration.

Question: You've played in two AFC Champions League Elite matches, and the K League season is also nearing its end. Are you struggling with physical conditioning?

There are no major issues with my fitness. Of course, time is passing. It's true that recovery is slower than before. It's important to focus on what I can do now and help the team. Whether I play a few minutes or more on the field, I'll manage my body more thoroughly to fulfill my role. I also want to help the team with my experience, not just my performance.

Question: There's not much left of this year. What motivates you to keep playing?

Nothing is more important than the team. It's important that we get good results in the remaining matches. Every player must play with responsibility until the end. The season is almost over. Now every match demands results. I want to help the team with my performance and my experience. We'll prepare thoroughly with our teammates to show better form in the remaining matches.

AI翻訳。

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