On October 2, following a friendly match against Venezuela, South Korean player Kim Min-jae stated that South Korea's current football problem is not a tactical one. He repeatedly emphasized that the team needs to unite and fight together.

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

The draw was deeply disappointing. 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. Instead, they struggled to contain Venezuela's organized attacks. Particularly on the defensive line, Kim Min-jae was constantly engaged in physical battles and competing for the ball. Moreno attempted to change the game through substitutions, but ultimately they were ineffective. The match ended 0-0.

Kim Min-jae's actions and comments after the match became the focus of post-match discussion. After being substituted in the 35th minute of the second half, Kim Min-jae sat on the bench and angrily removed and threw his boots. Subsequently, broadcast cameras also captured him speaking passionately with Moreno.

In a post-match interview with a television station, Kim Min-jae said candidly: "This isn't about a four-man defense system. Everyone needs to fight and compete together, but we didn't do that. Look at our defenders; I felt sorry for them. Throughout the match, we didn't fight as a team. If we keep playing like this, no matter how many goals we score or whether we win in the end, I won't feel right about it. Everyone needs to be determined, fully committed to the game, and fight together."

After that, Kim Min-jae spoke with reporters in the mixed zone.

He first said: "We should have gotten a result, but we couldn't. Before the World Cup, the team atmosphere hasn't been great, and this time we played three consecutive home matches with many fans coming to support us. I'm sorry we couldn't deliver a good result."

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

"At that time, it may have sounded like I only felt sorry for the defenders, but what I said wasn't just about running numbers. Everyone needs to be involved in physical battles together and fight for the full 90 minutes. If someone loses a challenge, a teammate nearby should fight for the second ball. Only then can the team's overall quality improve."

He then continued: "In fact, there will certainly be many different opinions from outside. However, I believe the team can unite this way and become a cohesive unit, which is why I said what I said. I said this because I feel that these kinds of problems have been occurring repeatedly over the past few years."

When asked whether he had a similar discussion with Moreno after being substituted, Kim Min-jae said: "I also discussed these things with the coach."

When asked whether South Korea's team was at a disadvantage in terms of midfield numbers and whether this was a tactical issue, Kim Min-jae answered clearly:

"This is not a tactical issue. I don't think this is a tactical problem. I just want to express that we all need to fight together."

Kim Min-jae also emphasized that he was not criticizing others outside the team.

"I'm the same. From another player's perspective, I might also look like I'm not fighting actively, and I might be seen as having shortcomings. I'm just stating my personal opinion. Once I step onto the pitch, I don't care what others say outside. Once I'm on the pitch, I just try to play hard, fight for the ball, win it back, and then give it to those who can handle it well, that's all."

When the reporter further asked whether he was speaking about the mental toughness of the players, Kim Min-jae answered briefly:

"If you want to put it that way, then yes."

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

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