Kim Min-jae praised his teammates for adapting and growing as they prepare for their final group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup.
What happened?
On Wednesday, Kim Min-jae spoke at a pre-match press conference at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.
He said his teammates were already full of confidence.
Kim has started alongside Lee Gi-hyeok and Lee Han-beom in a three-back system in both of South Korea's previous matches.
Why it matters for Kim Min-jae
The players in the back three lacked confidence before the World Cup, but once the tournament started, they have been playing really well.
Kim added that his role as sweeper was to give his partners the freedom to press higher up the pitch.
He tries to help the other players go forward and defend aggressively.
What comes next?
South Korea faces South Africa in their Group A third match at the same stadium on Thursday at 10 a.m.
Kim said the team had been focusing its preparations on the opposition's technical quality and pace.
If they play as a team the way they did in the last two games, Kim thinks they can win.
The Bayern Munich center back deflected praise when asked whether he had been leading the defensive line.
He thinks of himself less as someone who pulls the team forward and more as someone who pushes from behind.
Kim Min-jae and his teammates are confident ahead of the match against South Africa.
They have been working with the defenders on the opposition's technical quality and pace.
The match against South Africa will be a challenging one for South Korea.
But with Kim Min-jae and his teammates' confidence and preparation, they are ready to take on the challenge.
Kim Min-jae's teammates have grown in confidence since the start of the World Cup.
Their performances have improved significantly, and they are now more than capable of taking on any team.
The 2026 World Cup has been an exciting tournament so far.
Kim Min-jae and his teammates are looking forward to their final group-stage match against South Africa.
The team's preparation and confidence will be key to their success in the match.
Kim Min-jae is optimistic about their chances of winning.
The match against South Africa will be played on Thursday at 10 a.m.
It will be an exciting match, and Kim Min-jae and his teammates are ready to give it their all.
Kim Min-jae's role as sweeper has been important for the team.
He has been helping his partners to press higher up the pitch and defend aggressively.
The team's defensive line has been strong, thanks to Kim Min-jae's leadership.
They have been working well together, and their confidence has grown significantly.
The 2026 World Cup has been a great experience for Kim Min-jae and his teammates.
They have learned a lot and have grown as players.
Kim Min-jae is looking forward to the match against South Africa.
He is confident that they can win and advance to the next stage of the tournament.
The team's fans are excited about the match.
They are looking forward to seeing Kim Min-jae and his teammates in action.
The match against South Africa will be a challenging one.
But with Kim Min-jae's leadership and the team's preparation, they are ready to take on the challenge.
Kim Min-jae and his teammates are ready to give it their all.
They will do their best to win the match and make their fans proud.
The 2026 World Cup has been an exciting tournament.
Kim Min-jae and his teammates are looking forward to their final group-stage match against South Africa.
The team's preparation and confidence will be key to their success.
Kim Min-jae is optimistic about their chances of winning.
The match against South Africa will be played on Thursday at 10 a.m.
It will be an exciting match, and Kim Min-jae and his teammates are ready to give it their all.