Coach Diego Simeone (53) mentioned Lee Kang-in (22), who was linked with Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid will play the first leg of the Coupang Play Series against the K-League All-Star Team K-League at 8:00 pm on the 27th at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Coach Simeone and captain Koke attended a pre-press conference on the 26th, the day before the game.
Atletico Madrid entered Korea through Incheon International Airport the afternoon before. Korean fans warmly welcomed coach Simeone as well as star players such as Antoine Griezmann, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay. The players greeted the fans, signed autographs, and showed warm fan service.
Director Simeone said,체스카지노 “Nice to meet you. From the moment I arrived at the airport, many people welcomed me. Thank you. I will work hard to repay the love.” In particular, he said of Ulsan coach Hong Myung-bo, who leads the team K-League, “I will shake hands tomorrow and share memories of the World Cup.” The two coaches have one thing in common: they participated in the 1994 World Cup in the United States, the 1998 World Cup in France, and the 2022 World Cup in Korea and Japan during their active career.
Coach Simeone is known to have been closely watching Lee Kang-in since last season. There were many rumors that Lee Kang-in would move to Atletico this summer, but Lee Kang-in joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Koke also said, “I am grateful for the hospitality of the fans. From the moment I arrived at the airport on the first day, I saw many fans and received their love. Not only me, but all the players are grateful.”
This is the first visit to Korea by Atletico, which boasts a 120-year history. Atlético, who has won La Liga 11 times, is called the so-called ‘three captains’ of La Liga, along with Real Madrid (35 times) and Barcelona (27 times). Last season they finished 3rd in the league. Simeone, an Argentinian captain, has been leading the team for 13 years since 2011. Based on solid defense and organizational power, it has a reputation for ‘Simeone’s football’, which counterattacks after the player’s defense.
- What part of the game are you planning to test tomorrow?
▶ There was no championship last season, but the goal is always to place 4th or higher. Our players always want to win and win. The direction of the league ranking is always decided in the second half, but it is important to spend the second half well like the first half. - Which players have you strengthened through the transfer window this summer?
▶ There are many injured players, but it was good to reinforce young players. The transfer market is still open, but I think we can further strengthen the squad. - The first training session was held in Seongnam today. How are the players?
▶ I am adjusting to jet lag. It is important for players to compete. We are pinning our hopes on young players who have come up from the local leagues. I want to share my joy and passion with my fans. Team K-League coach Hong Myung-bo is known to be a good coach, so I look forward to it. - Lee Kang-in, who recently transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been connected with Atletico. Are there any Korean players you are interested in recently?
▶ There were rumors that Lee Kang-in and Atletico were connected, but Lee Kang-in is currently a PSG player. Korean football is growing and the players are getting attention. We’ll see if there’s a player worth noting in tomorrow’s game.
- Will key players such as Griezmann and Felix play tomorrow?
▶ Enough time will be provided for all players. We want to give fans a chance to meet world-class players. We will give all players equal time. - Who is the director Hong Myung-bo that Simeone remembers?
▶ I will shake hands with coach Hong Myung-bo tomorrow and share memories of the World Cup. - Will Felix stay? Does pre-season companionship affect retention?
▶ Most importantly, no player can be above the team. Players are judged on the grit and commitment they show to the team. Again, there is no player above the team. - Will Alvaro Morata remain?
▶ I had a private conversation with Morata in the morning. For now, I am satisfied with being on the team. He is a talented player and one of our five strikers. It looks like it will show a good figure like now.
Meanwhile, after clashing with Team K-League, Atletico will face Manchester City (England), the champions of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), at the same place on the 30th. Atletico will play both the first and second matches of this preseason in Korea.