On June 26, Kim Min-jae clarified the controversy surrounding his substitution during a World Cup match. According to Yonhap News, Kim stated through the Korea Football Association, "I felt discomfort in my right calf and requested a substitution because I thought continuing to play could jeopardize my ability to participate in the next match."
He added that when he said he was "fine," it meant he believed he could recover in time for the next game.
Regarding the gesture he made while being substituted, Kim explained, "It was not a complaint about being substituted; I was disappointed that the defensive spacing was widening. I was frustrated because the game was not going well, and my emotions got the better of me."
He continued, "I reflected on my actions, as I felt I disrupted the atmosphere on the bench during a difficult situation, and I apologized to the coach and staff. I don’t know if I will have the opportunity to play in the next match, but if I do, I will strive to make up for my previous shortcomings with a strong performance."
Later that day, head coach Hong Myung-bo addressed the media at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility near Guadalajara, where the team's base camp is located. He responded to questions about the incident, stating, "If the player himself says it was a misunderstanding, then it is a misunderstanding. The coaching staff reported that Kim Min-jae was experiencing calf pain, and after communicating with him, we decided to substitute him because he indicated he could not continue. I did not witness the situation, and there were no complaints about the substitution. He wanted to be substituted, and that is why we made the change."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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