The conversation between Team K League players and fans has never been more intimate.

Team K League and Atletico Madrid will go head-to-head in the Coupang Play Series at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on July 27 at 8pm.

Team K League is composed of the Fan Eleven, selected by the fans, and the Pick Eleven, selected by the coaching staff. The KFA announced the Fan Eleven, the 11 players who received the most votes for each position, on July 17, while head coach Hong Myung-bo and coach Choi Won-kwon selected the Pick Eleven, taking into account the players’ detailed positions and team assignments. The ‘Pick Eleven’ is composed of a variety of domestic and foreign players who are currently showing their best skills in each position in the K League.

A number of prominent players were named to the Team K League roster. Na Sang-ho 스포츠토토 (FC Seoul), who is the leading scorer in the K League, along with Ulsan Hyundai’s leading goal scorer Lee In-gyu and national goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo, have been selected and are preparing to face Atletico.

Meanwhile, Atletico is making its first visit to Korea. After arriving at Incheon International Airport on Friday, Atletico chose Korea for their pre-season tour ahead of the new season. Atletico, who finished third in La Liga last season, has been a formidable force in the league, consistently finishing in the top three alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. Atletico will face Team K-League in South Korea.

A day before the match, the managers of both teams held a press conference on the 26th, and the captains of both teams were also present. Team K-League head coach Hong Myung-bo said, “I hope the players selected for Team K-League will play with pride. We want to give the fans a great game.”

Atletico manager Diego Simeone also expressed his excitement. “I’m grateful for all the support we received when we arrived in Korea. We want to return the love of the fans by playing a great game.” Simeone said.

Alongside the press conference, various events were held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 26th. Starting at 3 p.m., various booths were open for fans to enjoy various experiences. In front of the stadium, there was an exhibition of Atletico jerseys and a photo zone. It was a place where not only Atletico fans but also K League fans and soccer fans gathered together.

From 6pm, Megabox Seoul World Cup Stadium Branch 3 held an autograph session and talk concert for fans. Na Sang-ho (Seoul), Bae Jun-ho (Daejeon), Baek Seung-ho (Jeonbuk), Seol Young-woo (Ulsan), and Lee Seung-woo (Suwon FC) participated and spent time with fans. About 150 fans were selected from 10,000 applicants.

Both the first and second parts of the program were successful. The first part was a signing ceremony with EA Sports Korea, and the second part was a time for fans to write down their questions for the players and display them on the electronic board, and the players answered them directly.

The first question was for Na Sang-ho. One fan asked, “What kind of exercises should I do to have speed and a great shot like Na Sang-ho? To which he replied, “I think it takes a lot of hard work. I think I was born with some speed, but there are parts of it that I have to work on,” he said, adding, “I think I did a lot of lower body training, and I think that changed my height.”

Baek Seung-ho was asked about his serious attitude. “I don’t see you smiling much, even when you’re winning, so I’m curious what you’re thinking at that time. Baek Seung-ho replied, “I think I didn’t express myself well because I was concentrating on the game and I was stressed.”

Many other questions poured in. Since it was not a formal press conference but a direct communication with fans, the questions and answers were more candid and personal. When asked what he does in his free time, Lee Seung-woo said, “I spend it looking for restaurants like everyone else,” and Bae Joon-ho said, “Not often, but sometimes,” when asked if he searches his name on the portal, which made the audience laugh.

Despite the warm atmosphere, there was also some tension between the rivals. Seol Young-woo was asked, “What are your chances of winning this season? “I think it’s about 99 percent,” Seol replied, drawing a glance from rival Jeonbuk’s Baek Seung-ho. It was a meaningful scene that brought the players and fans together.