After losing 0-2 at home to Johor Darul Ta'zim in the AFC Champions League Elite, Ki Sung-yueng, the experienced midfielder from Pohang Steelers, spoke to the media.

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

It's truly disappointing. We haven't played at home in a while, and we couldn't perform well. I apologize to the fans. We've lost two matches in a row. There's still a chance to advance to the championship group in K League 1, but it's not entirely in our hands. This weekend's match is crucial. We must fight until the end. We have to accept whatever results come. To avoid any regrets, I will prepare myself fully.

Question: Teams in K League that compete in the AFC Champions League Elite often struggle against strong high pressing from opponents. Today you faced significant difficulties under Johor's intense high press.

Today, the opponent tried strong high pressing. We had trouble breaking through with our passes. When they press hard, we should target the space behind them. We couldn't do that smoothly either. The intensity of high pressing here is stronger than what we face in K League. Japan is similar. More teams in Asian football are attempting high pressing. I'm not sure how to solve this problem. Players need to be accustomed to this kind of pressure, don't they? Then we can handle it more calmly when facing strong pressing in competitions.

Question: Nine of Johor's starting players today are foreign players. K League removed restrictions on the number of foreign players clubs can sign this season, but there's still a limit on how many foreign players can be fielded. To improve K League's competitiveness, should the foreign player quota on the pitch be increased?

I'm not certain. If more foreign players come in, the league level will improve, but opportunities for domestic players will decrease, and their development may suffer. I'm not sure what the right answer is. Look at the Saudi Pro League. There are many world-class players there. With an influx of excellent foreign players, the league's level has risen. But if you ask, "Has the level of Saudi domestic players risen as well?" I'm not sure. There's a question mark there.

Question: You've experienced the Premier League, the highest level of football in the world. The Premier League didn't become the best league in the world by being overly restrictive, did it?

That's correct. The Premier League has achieved enormous success by attracting excellent players and coaches. If K League opens its doors more aggressively, it can develop similarly. If investment expands and good players come in, the level of competition will definitely improve. But it's difficult to directly compare the Premier League with K League. The financial gap is enormous. The issue of increasing the foreign player quota should be considered with various factors in mind.

Question: You've played two AFC Champions League Elite matches already, and the K League season is ending soon. Are you experiencing physical management issues?

My physical condition isn't a major concern. Of course, recovery is slower as time passes—that's true. What matters is focusing on what I can do now and helping the team. No matter how many minutes I play, I will take meticulous care of my body to fulfill my role.

Question: There's not much time left this year. What motivates you to play?

Nothing is more important than the team. It's important for the team to achieve good results in the remaining competitions. Every player must play with responsibility until the very end. There isn't much season left. Every remaining match requires results—not just for me personally, but I want to help the team with my experience to perform better in the matches ahead. I will prepare myself thoroughly with my teammates.

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