PSG’s Lee Kang-In hits out at South Korea fans amid World Cup build-up | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-In (24) has urged South Korea’s supporters to rally behind the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, following widespread criticism of head coach Hong Myung-bo.

Speaking after South Korea’s 4-0 win over Kuwait on Tuesday in Seoul, Lee addressed the tensions that have lingered since Hong’s controversial appointment earlier this year. Despite a successful qualifying campaign – sealed last week with a 2-0 win in Iraq – fans continued to boo the former national team captain, whose previous spell in charge ended in group-stage elimination at the 2014 World Cup.Kang-In Lee, who has been heavily linked with a move to Italian Champions Napoli, said the following in quotes transcribed by Le Parisien.  “Some spectators attack and criticise our coach and the Korean Football Association,” said Lee. “We, the players, are also part of the federation, and the coach is our boss. When the criticism becomes excessive, it affects us too.”“I’d like people to focus on the positive side of our team. It’ll help us perform better at the World Cup. I hope they’ll support us and keep cheering us on,” he concluded.Paris Saint-Germain reportedly value the Korean international at €40m, as Napoli reignite interest that they first showed for the player back in 2024. The player is reportedly open to a move to the Partenopei.The South Korean is now on the market along with PSG’s Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos (23) after the pair have featured sparingly duing Luis Enrique’s treble campaign with the club from the capital. Lee does have 45 appearances in all competitions this season, but he has rarely started for Les Parisiens this season. He started just four times in the UEFA Champions League and hadn’t been included in the starting XI during the knockout phase of the competition.GFFN | George Boxall