Atletico Madrid coach Simeone praises Lee Kang-in: 'The kind of player we need'

Diego Simeone, head coach of Atletico Madrid, has expressed strong satisfaction with Lee Kang-in, the 25-year-old South Korean midfielder who has emerged as a key addition to the squad ahead of the new season.

Speaking at a press conference held Saturday at Mokdong Olympic Stadium in Seoul — a day before a preseason friendly against Manchester City — Simeone made clear his excitement about Lee's arrival at the club.

"Lee Kang-in told us how he wants to help the team, and I could genuinely feel his desire to keep growing and evolving as a player," Simeone said. "Our club is ready to help him, and I look forward to seeing us grow together."

Lee is known for his ability to escape pressure with the ball, his composure in possession, and his sharp forward and switching passes that create scoring opportunities. For Atletico — a side renowned for its defensive solidity and organization but often criticized for lacking creative players capable of breaking down compact defenses — Lee addresses that weakness directly.

He is expected to feature primarily as an attacking midfielder or right winger, though Simeone was careful not to commit to a specific tactical role. "Watching a player on video is different from seeing him play once he actually joins the team," the coach said. He added that he was focused on maximizing Lee's strengths. "We need to see how he can express what he does best."

Simeone's praise extended beyond Lee's footballing ability. The coach highlighted an episode from Friday evening, when Lee invited the entire traveling party — players, staff and all club members staying in Seoul — to a team dinner he personally hosted.

"First impressions matter, and I think that dinner showed exactly what kind of person he is," Simeone said. "That kind of gesture proves how humble he is and how ready he is to play for the team." After spending several days training in Korea, he added, Lee had lived up to expectations. "He is exactly as humble and hardworking as I expected — and that is precisely the kind of player Atletico needs."

Meanwhile, Simeone also addressed Sunday's preseason friendly against Premier League side Manchester City. "When we came to Korea three years ago, there were more Man City shirts in the stands," he said with a smile. "I hope our fans outnumber theirs on Sunday."