North Korea coach: We are here only to play, cheering squad not a coach's concern

Our team, Myongju, has traveled to South Korea with a singular focus: to compete in the AFC Women's Champions League. Coach Ri Yu-il has made it unequivocally clear that our mission is solely about the game itself. When questioned about the possibility of a 3,000-strong South Korean cheering squad, Coach Ri dismissed it as a matter for the coaching staff to consider, stating, "We have only come to play the game. The issue of the cheering squad is not something for a coach to think about."

This statement underscores our team's dedication and professionalism. We are here to showcase our athletic prowess and represent our nation with pride on the field. The political or social implications surrounding the event are secondary to our primary objective of achieving victory. Our focus remains steadfastly on the match ahead, and we will not be distracted by external factors.

While South Korea may be hosting this event and may have their own arrangements for support, our team's mindset is one of pure athletic pursuit. We respect the competition and the host nation, but our energy is reserved for the 90 minutes of play. We are confident in our abilities and look forward to a challenging and rewarding match.

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We have only come to play the game. The issue of the cheering squad is not something for a coach to think about.