"It’s really hard to see the guardians in pain."

FC Seoul and Pohang Steelers will face off on the 29th at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 1 2025 Round 21.

Ahead of this match, an unusually pre-match press conference was held in the press conference room. Due to the recent issues surrounding Ki Sung-yueng's transfer, reporters flocked to conduct interviews in the official press conference room.

Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong conveyed an official stance regarding the issues related to Ki Sung-yueng.

Kim Gi-dong said, "What I wanted most when I took office as the manager of Seoul was to bring smiles to the guardians with good results. But it’s really painful to see the guardians in distress. Currently, it’s hard to see the guardians in pain. Of course, I can’t know everything. But my faith in Seoul is firm. It is my role and the role of all Seoul members to convey this well to the players and the fans. Once again, I feel heavy-hearted for all the Seoul fans who are saddened by the current situation. We need to show a better performance. I hope we can start showing that from today."

That day, Seoul fans held a rally criticizing the club's response to Ki Sung-yueng's transfer to Pohang Steelers. About 160 supporters gathered at the north square of Seoul World Cup Stadium for a rally titled "Incompetence, Miscommunication, and Disgrace for FC Seoul." The organizers emphasized that the event was officially reported as a rally. The rally commenced as scheduled at 4 p.m. and lasted approximately 11 minutes. Before it began, those shouting "Kim Gi-dong out" also sang Ki Sung-yueng's support song, expressing criticism towards the manager and longing for Ki. They criticized the Seoul club front and manager Kim Gi-dong for the disrespect towards legends and the club's inadequate and misguided responses caused by the recent transfer saga.

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