Atletico Madrid coach Simeone ready to lean on Lee Kang-in's versatility

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said Sunday he will try to capitalize on the versatility of his new Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in.

Simeone got his first in-match look at Lee in his team's 3-1 preseason loss to Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Sunday. Lee, who signed for Atleti in late July, was brought in as part of mass substitutions in the 63rd minute for his debut with the Spanish club.

Lee had a couple of looks at the net and also looked to set up teammates for chances. Simeone said he liked what he saw from Lee, although his club still fell by two goals.

"He is an all-around player. He can play on the wing and he can run in the tight space between the opposing midfield line and backline," Simeone said. "And as we saw today, he can also play as a second striker. At the end of the day, his position will change depending on what we need."

While Atleti played some early preseason matches before arriving here, Lee had been training on his own near Seoul to gear up for Sunday's match. He also had little time to try to get on the same page with his new teammates.

"To play in matches, you have to develop a rhythm, and he will need some time to get to that point," the coach said. "But this applies to everyone, not just Lee Kang-in. It really comes down to their physical readiness."

Yonhap