“I Don’t Do Reckless Things”: Moreno Vows to Make Full Use of Lee Kang-in and Completely Remove His “Tactical Shackles”

[Financial News]   ‘Forcing the best player to wear a suit that does not fit him is foolish.’
Roberto Moreno, the interim head coach who transformed the mood around South Korean football with a 3-0 victory over Ecuador in his debut as manager, has revealed how he plans to make full use of Lee Kang-in, the team’s ace, ahead of the showdown with another South American powerhouse, Uruguay. His philosophy is clear: rather than forcing a player into a tactical system, he will find the position where the player can truly shine.
The South Korea national football team, coached by Moreno and ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings, will face the Uruguay national football team, ranked 20th, at 8 p.m. on the 28th at Seoul World Cup Stadium. It will be the second match of their four-game international series in September and October.
At the official press conference on the 27th, one day before the match, Moreno delivered a firm and confident message. He spoke especially candidly about how he plans to use Lee Kang-in, who had remained on the bench against Ecuador to manage his condition.
Lee Kang-in has been showing top-level form at Atlético Madrid, moving fluidly between attacking midfield and the wing. Moreno drew a firm line on the player’s positional dilemma without a second’s hesitation.
“What I expect from Lee Kang-in is for him to show the national team the very best form he is displaying at his club. If I were to play Lee Kang-in somewhere other than the position where he is enjoying himself and showing his best form, I would be making a reckless and foolhardy choice instead.”
It was a refreshing statement that directly addressed the positional controversy surrounding Lee Kang-in in the national team in the past. Rather than imposing tactical preferences, Moreno effectively declared that he would “unlock” the player by giving him the optimal role—the one he has at Atlético Madrid—to maximize his impact. Lee Kang-in also attended the press conference alongside Moreno and appeared to respond in kind with a bright expression, foreshadowing a standout performance against Uruguay.
Uruguay tasted defeat in its previous match, so it is clear that the team will throw everything into this game against South Korea and attempt intense pressing. Moreno also signaled a head-on battle, saying, “Uruguay will be determined to win and prove that it can return to its usual form. We must show our best as well.” The timing could not be more critical for Lee Kang-in’s left foot to exploit gaps in Uruguay’s compact South American defense.

Meanwhile, Moreno once again demonstrated his firm player-first leadership. Asked about the starting lineup for the Uruguay match, he kept it under wraps, saying, “My principle is that the players should be the first to know who will play. The players are the protagonists on the pitch.”
At the same time, he hinted at broad rotation, saying, “We have to consider the players’ condition because we must play four matches in a short period. Some players have only recently joined the team, and I want to give everyone an opportunity.”
“Trust the players and create the stage on which they can perform at their best.” As Moreno’s clear-eyed, pragmatic football meets Lee Kang-in’s talent, anticipation is reaching fever pitch among fans heading to Seoul World Cup Stadium to see what explosive synergy the pair can produce against Uruguay.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter