On October 2, following a warm-up match against Venezuela, South Korean player Kim Min-jae stated that the current problems facing South Korean football were not tactical. He repeatedly emphasized that the team needed to unite and fight together.

The South Korean national team, managed by Spanish coach Moreno, drew 0-0 with Venezuela in the "Hana Bank Invitational Korea National Team Friendly Match" held at Ulsan Munsu World Cup Stadium on October 2. A total of 35,911 spectators attended the match.

It was a frustrating draw. South Korea failed to create any meaningful attacking opportunities in the first 45 minutes, and the situation did not improve significantly in the second half. In fact, they sometimes struggled to repel Venezuela's well-organized attacks. Particularly in defense, Kim Min-jae was constantly backpedaling and fighting for the ball. Moreno attempted to shift the momentum through substitutions, but ultimately without success. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Kim Min-jae's actions and comments that day became the focal point of post-match discussion. After being substituted in the 35th minute of the second half, Kim Min-jae sat on the bench, angrily removing his boots and throwing them away. Cameras later also captured him in an animated conversation with Moreno.

In a post-match television interview, Kim Min-jae stated directly: "It's not about the four-back defense. Everyone should fight and compete together, but we didn't. Look at our defenders—I feel for them. Throughout the match, we didn't fight together. If this style of play continues, no matter how many goals we score or whether we eventually win, I'll feel bad. Everyone should lower their head, give their all in the match, and fight together."

Kim Min-jae later spoke with journalists in the mixed zone.

He began by saying: "We should have gotten a result from this match, but we didn't. The team's atmosphere wasn't great before the World Cup, and this time we played three consecutive home matches with many fans coming to support us. I'm very sorry we couldn't get a good result."

Regarding his actions during the match and his comments in the post-match television interview, Kim Min-jae further explained his thoughts at that moment.

"At that time, it seemed like only the defenders were struggling, but what I said wasn't just about the amount of running. Everyone needs to put in the physical effort and fight together for 90 minutes. If someone loses a duel, their teammates around him should contest the second ball. Only that way can the overall quality of the team improve."

He continued: "Of course, there will inevitably be many different opinions from outside. However, I believe the team can unite this way and become one, and that's why I said what I said. I spoke because I feel these types of problems have been going on for several years."

When asked if he had a similar conversation with Moreno after being substituted, Kim Min-jae responded: "I discussed these things with the coach as well."

When asked whether the South Korean team was at a numerical disadvantage in midfield and if this was a tactical problem, Kim Min-jae answered clearly:

"This is not a tactical problem. I don't think it's a tactical problem. I just want to express that all of us should fight together."

Kim Min-jae also emphasized that he was not criticizing other players from outside the team.

"I'm the same. In other players' eyes, I might also appear not so active in fighting, and I might be considered insufficient. I'm just expressing my personal thoughts. Once I step on the pitch, I don't care what anyone outside says. Once on the pitch, I just try to do my best to play, compete, win the ball, and then pass it to someone who can handle it well—that's all."

When further asked by the journalist if he was talking about the players' mental strength, Kim Min-jae responded briefly:

"If that's how you want to put it, then yes."

Regarding whether these issues were discussed in the dressing room after the match, Kim Min-jae said: "It was discussed before the match."

Tradotto dall'IA.

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