Kim Min-jae (Naples) is shaking.
The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, lost 1-2 in a friendly against Uruguay held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 28th.
Korea, which drew 2-2 against Colombia on the 24th, failed to bring victory in this match as well, ending its two A-matches in March with a score of 1 draw and 1 loss.
Kim Min-jae played full-time as a central defender in the game against Colombia and Uruguay, but could not prevent the team from losing.
Kim Min-jae is currently the best defender in Korean football. After conquering the K-League, Chinese Super League, and Turkiye Super League, he moved to Napoli, Italy, and quickly became the best defender in Serie A. The Scudetto (Serie A championship trophy) has already been booked, and the Champions League is also in the quarterfinals. Word has already flowed out that world-class big clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are interested in signing Min-jae Kim.
However, Kim Min-jae is having difficulties with the national team. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, I was unable to show my skills due to a calf injury, and I did not live up to expectations in the first A match in March, the first call after the World Cup. South Korea conceded two goals each to Colombia and Uruguay. It is unreasonable to attribute all of Korea’s runs to Kim Min-jae alone, but as a leading defensive player, it is a situation where you can feel the burden.
Is that why? After the game against Uruguay, Kim Min-jae said, “It’s difficult. Mentally, I’m in a state of collapse. I’m thinking of focusing only on my team, not for the time being.”
Kim Min-jae also left after saying, “I can’t say that it has been coordinated (with the Korea Football Association). We were talking about it a little… I’ll do this much.” In response, some even say that Kim Min-jae has announced his intention to retire from the national team. 메이저놀이터
It is still unclear whether Kim Min-jae really thinks of retiring from the national team. At an official press conference ahead of the game against Uruguay on the 26th, Kim Min-jae showed respect for Kim Young-kwon’s joining the Century Club and said, “It is important to play an active part in the national team without injury. If you do not maintain your skills, you will not be given a chance in the national team.” I think I will do it until my body touches it,” he said.
In just one day, the exact opposite came out. It may be a word that came out of a momentary emotion in a situation where you were discouraged by a bad outcome. However, I do not know which one is closer to the sincerity, but it seems certain that Kim Min-jae is experiencing psychological difficulties.