Head coach Hong Myung-bo's South Korean national team faces a midfield void due to Hwang In-beom's ankle injury ahead of friendlies against Ivory Coast and Austria. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors midfielder Kim Jin-gyu, 29, expressed confidence in stepping up. He highlighted his aggressive passing and game management skills.
At the MK Dons training facility in Milton Keynes, northwest of London, midfielder Kim Jin-gyu spoke to reporters before Thursday's session ahead of Saturday's friendly against Ivory Coast. Head coach Hong Myung-bo lost key player Hwang In-beom to an ankle injury just before the Taegeuk Warriors' matches against Ivory Coast and Austria this month, preparations for the summer FIFA World Cup. Hwang, who debuted internationally in 2018, has 71 caps and contributes on both ends of the pitch. Kim, 29, from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors with 18 caps, sees an opportunity. 'Last year, I played in some matches when In-beom was not available. If I get another opportunity this time, I will try to capitalize on my offensive skills,' Kim said. 'In-beom has been such an important part of the national team, and he's been doing an excellent job. But when it comes to making aggressive passes and managing plays, I've always felt confident that I can be as good as anybody.' Since more frequent call-ups last year, Kim has dreamed of the World Cup squad, set to finalize in late May. 'I've become more serious about taking care of my body and thinking about football,' he added. 'I think I have to play well in the next two matches to have another opportunity. I will focus on one match at a time.' Kim's former Jeonbuk captain Park Jin-seob, 31, now at Zhejiang FC in China's Super League, also vies for a spot. He started in semipro before K League 1 success led overseas. 'It feels good to be earning call-ups consistently, but it won't really hit me until I see my name on the final World Cup list,' Park said. 'I am confident I can handle any position I am asked to play. We will be up against skilled attackers from Ivory Coast, and we have to play strong team defense.' As reported by Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Times, these players are competing for World Cup places.
