Ki Sung-yueng (34, FC Seoul) expressed his gratitude and support for Hwang Eui-jo (31), who is leaving the team.
FC Seoul defeated Suwon Samseong 1-0 in the 19th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 at Suwon World Cup Stadium at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday for its second straight ‘Super Match’ victory.
The victory was Seoul’s first in four matches and moved them into second place with 32 points (9 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses). Suwon, on the other hand, was once again denied its first home win of the season, falling into a six-match winless streak in the league (D1, L5). They remain at the bottom of the standings with nine points (2 wins, 3 draws, 14 losses).
A theatrical goal from Willian in the dying minutes of the game proved to be the difference. In the 42nd minute, Osmar delivered a pinpoint long pass down the left side, and the ball was collected by Willian, who beat Jung Seung-won to the ball and drove into the box. He calmly folded once to beat Go Myung-seok and then fired a powerful right-footed shot into the corner of the net.
After the game, Ki Sung-yueng was interviewed in the Mixed Zone and said, “It was a big game, and it came at a good time, away from home. We haven’t gotten a result in the last three games or so, but with the three points today, we can get back on track.”
Below is a one-on-one interview with Ki Sung-yong.
- AHow did you spend the match break?
I didn’t work out much. The weather is getting hotter, so players need to take care of their bodies rather than work out a lot. In the summer, it’s a battle of how long you can stay focused. You have to take care of your body and train well without overdoing it.
- Recently, Son Heung-min mentioned the old saying, “The Korean captain doesn’t go to China.” It’s in the past, so I don’t think much of it.
I don’t think much of it because it’s in the past. I think (Son) Heung-min will have his own plans and his own philosophy. Whatever he decides to do, I think he’ll do it well and I can only respect that. As far as I’m concerned, Heung-min still has a lot more to offer in the Premier League (PL). As a fan, I would love to see him in the PL and hope he breaks more records.
- Ahn Ik-soo said that Na Sang-ho and Lee Han-beom, who have been to the national team, still need to work on their physical condition. My advice to the juniors.
Don’t just go and play (laughs). If you go to the national team and gain confidence, you might come back, or if you don’t play, you might be less fit. (I) think we’ve gained a lot of experience, and (Lee) thinks he’s done well just by not getting injured because 안전놀이터 it’s a growing process. He has a bright future ahead of him, so I hope he can become a player who can prepare for the future while protecting and caring for the team and himself.
- Hwang Ui-jo on leaving the team.
I respect his decision. He worked harder than anyone else in the first half of the season and played with more integrity than any other player. He showed by example in training and in his daily life why he played for the national team and why he is still playing for the national team. The same goes for (Hwang) In-beom. I’m grateful to him. I don’t know if he’ll stay on the team, but I’ll always support him in his endeavors. Now that he’s getting older, he’ll be thinking about it a lot.
Opportunities like this don’t come around often. I believe I will make a decision without regrets. I think the players who have been out of the game are capable of doing a good job, and I’m hoping that the players who haven’t had a chance or haven’t had a lot of playing time will be able to do a good job.
- How has Hwang influenced the younger players outside of the game?
The juniors have seen everything from his training, his attitude in preparing for games, and his life. He’s a great example for them because he’s really diligent in his preparation for games and training. When you have a varsity player on the team, the juniors will naturally look at why the senior is good and why this player is special. I think that’s something they’ve learned a lot from. So it’s very important to have a national team player on the team. It can be an opportunity for younger players to learn and grow. I hope to see more national team players in Seoul.