Lee Seung-woo, who was recently left off the national football team roster, has shared his honest thoughts.
Lee met with reporters in the mixed zone after the 2026–2027 AFC Champions League Elite league stage Matchday 1 fixture against Kashiwa Reysol held at Jeonju World Cup Stadium yesterday (September 16).
"I feel like I've already talked too much about it," Lee said, not hiding his candid emotions by adding, "Naturally, my mindset is always the same, and it's just disappointing."
"However, it is a result that cannot be helped," he resolved, stating, "Since another opportunity will come only if I do better at my club, I want to continue showing good performances."
Previously, South Korea national football team interim manager Roberto Moreno announced a 30-player roster for the September and October A-matches on September 14.
While new faces such as Kim Gun-hee, Park Tae-jun, and Kim Min-su received surprise call-ups, and players like Gu Sung-yun and Jung Seung-won returned after a long absence, Lee Seung-woo's name was missing despite his strong performances in the league.
At the time, when asked about the reason for leaving Lee off the squad, manager Moreno drew a line by saying, "If we start talking about players who weren't selected, there's no end to it."
Lee started yesterday's match and played the full time, leading his team to a 2-1 victory.
Manager Moreno also visited Jeonju World Cup Stadium to observe South Korean players firsthand.
"Tactics in the domestic league are mostly similar, but it was much more interesting facing a team from a new country with new tactics," Lee said. "The players' determination to win no matter who the opponent is led to our comeback victory in the second half."
Regarding the yellow card he received from the referee during a delayed substitution in the 41st minute of the second half, he explained, "Communication wasn't working well during the substitution process so I tried to relay the message on their behalf, but the referee seemed to have a hot temper."
Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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