Pohang Steelers Lee Tae-seok (22) visited his former team FC Seoul.
Pohang drew 1-1 with FC Seoul in the 36th round of Hana Bank’s K League 1 2024 Final A at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 2nd. It was a special match for Lee Tae-seok. He played his home game for the first time since his transfer. In August, Lee Tae-seok wore a Seoul uniform through a trade. Although the match against Seoul was played at Pohang home, the away match against Seoul is bound to be different.
“I was supposed to go to the left side of the stadium, but I went to the right side,” said Lee Tae-seok, who met reporters after the game. “But I was glad to come to Sangam. Seoul is a team that I have been with for a long time. When I came to Seoul to play away games and greeted fans in front of them, I had mixed emotions.”
Former colleagues in Seoul welcomed Lee’s visit as well. “I have a lot of personal contact with Lingard. He welcomed me a lot this time as well. In fact, I told him to play in the stadium as soon as possible even before the game,” Lee said.
Lee first made his professional debut in Seoul in 2021. Since then, he has played in many matches and been an important member of his team even at an early age. However, he has made a fresh start in Pohang this year.
The match against Seoul was also an important match for the team. Pohang is fiercely competing with Seoul for a ticket to the AFC Champions League (ACL). Currently, Seoul ranks fourth with 15 wins, nine draws and 12 losses (54 points), while Pohang ranks fifth with 14 wins, 11 draws and 11 losses (53 points). Currently, Pohang is in a more difficult situation than ever due to its large number of injured players and tight schedule.
Pohang failed to win on the day, but it will be able to seek to reverse the ranking by raising one point in a tricky away match in Seoul. 메이저놀이터
“We are continuing to play and we have many injured players. We are making many changes in various areas including tactics, and we are positive about getting a result after training for about two days,” Lee said. “We cannot let go of the situation just because it is not good. We are trying to find what we can do best. I think different methods have worked through this match. We are positive and satisfied with the match against Seoul.”
Lee sacrificed himself for the team, not as a left-sided defender but as a right winger. “I had some demands from the team, and I was confident in that regard. I wanted a game where I could dedicate myself and help the team, rather than trying to do well, but that’s great,” Lee said. “I think I expressed ‘this kind of player’ well,” Lee said. “I’m going back and forth in various positions, but I’m not confused now. Being able to play in various positions in soccer will have some advantages.”