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🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Team K League learns from Manchester City in hot friendly

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Team K League lost 3-1 to Manchester City in a friendly match at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.
  • K League players experienced the quality of world-class opponents in what was described as the hottest match played.
  • Despite the absence of stars like Rodri and Haaland, the match drew fewer than half the stadium's capacity.

Team K League players felt the quality of world-class opponents during their friendly match against Manchester City, which ended in a 3-1 defeat for the Korean side. The match, part of the Coupang Play Series, saw Manchester City score three goals in the first half through Ait-Nouri, Lindergaard, and Mubama. The game was played in sweltering conditions, with Team K League captain Ki Sung-yueng describing it as the hottest match he had ever played.

The players felt the quality of the world-class players a lot. I think it was good training.

— Ki Sung-yuengCaptain of Team K League, reflecting on the match against Manchester City.

"The players felt the quality of the world-class players a lot," Ki said after the match. "I think it was good training." He noted that Manchester City remains a formidable opponent, recalling his own experiences playing against them during his 11-year career in the English Premier League. Ki expressed disappointment that stars like Rodri and Erling Haaland were not part of the visiting squad, stating, "I wanted to meet Rodri, who plays in the same position. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, and it would have been good to see him play today."

The attendance at the Seoul World Cup Stadium was 28,036, significantly less than the venue's 66,000 capacity. This lower-than-expected turnout may have been influenced by the absence of key Manchester City players. Team K League's coach, Jeong Jeong-yong, acknowledged the superior skill and physicality of the Manchester City players, emphasizing the valuable experience gained by his team.

I wanted to meet Rodri, who plays in the same position. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, and it would have been good to see him play today.

— Ki Sung-yuengTeam K League captain expressing disappointment over the absence of Manchester City star Rodri.

Manchester City is scheduled to play a second friendly against Atletico Madrid on August 9th at the same venue. This match is anticipated to be Lee Kang-in's debut for Atletico Madrid. Ki Sung-yueng offered his support to Lee, stating, "Kang-in is a player with sufficient ability," as the midfielder prepares for his new chapter.

Kang-in is a player with sufficient ability.

— Ki Sung-yuengCommenting on Lee Kang-in's upcoming debut for Atletico Madrid.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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