“If you have any questions about living in Korea, please feel free to contact me.”
This is a pleasant message from Osmar (38, Spain) to Roberto Moreno, the new head coach of the Korean national soccer team.
Osmar contributed to Seoul E-Land FC’s 2-1 home win over Daegu FC on Sept. 19. Osmar played full time as E-Land’s central defender, showing off his outstanding defense and sharp kick. Over the years, Osmar has proved that he is Osmar.
사진 확대 Seoul E-Land FC Osmar. Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung 
사진 확대 Osmar. Photo = Korea Professional Football Federation 
사진 확대 Osmar. Photo = Korea Professional Football Federation
This is what Osmar talked about with reporters after the match against Daegu.
Q. Congratulations on your victory over Daegu.
First of all, thank you for congratulating me. I’m very satisfied and happy. In the last match against Samsung in Suwon, we did not reach the level we needed to show. There was a lot of regret. Today, apart from the tactical part, we proved that we are a competitive team in terms of mental and mental. We showed that we are a high-quality team. So I’m more satisfied with today’s victory.
Q. The team’s atmosphere could have subsided after the defeat against Suwon. From what I heard, Osmar and Kim Oh-kyu took the center stage of the team. What did you say to your colleagues.
We gathered the players yesterday (18th) and had a short meeting. We are not students. He is a grown man. I spoke plainly and honestly. He told his colleagues, “The way we show now is not at the level we want.” As we competed for the championship until the end, he stressed that we need to focus more to head to K League 1. That approach seems to have worked.
I told the players, “We can do well enough.” “You don’t have to be scared or nervous like the last match against Suwon,” he said. I don’t know if the players lived up to that, but they certainly had more energy and played confidently than the last game. I’m very satisfied that the appearance we asked for came out of the stadium.
Q. They competed for the K League 1 title at FC Seoul in 2016. Now, he has been trying to promote to the K League 1 for three years at E-Land. Which one is harder.
The situation is different. It is not easy to compare because what happened in the process is also different. In 2016, he performed well at the beginning of the season. During the season, there were several changes as the coach changed, and difficult times came. However, he overcame the situation and lifted the trophy. The season has gone pretty smoothly, as far as the manager’s replacement was struggling.
The competition for promotion this season is fiercer than ever. This is why the opportunity to be promoted has increased compared to previous years. Many teams are desperate for promotion. Their goal is promotion. It is hard to conclude which one was more difficult and easier. What is clear is that these processes make soccer special. I think the fans watching will be more fun than ever.
사진 확대 Roberto Moreno, head coach of the Korean national football team. Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung 
사진 확대 Osmar showed information on tourist attractions and restaurants stored on his phone. Osmar said, “I’ve saved where I want to go. There are places I haven’t been to yet,” he said with a smile. Osmar added, “If Moreno wants this information, I can give it to you anytime.” Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung
Q: Wouldn’t Moreno, a native of Spain, need Osmar’s advice to adapt to Korea.
I think I can help you a little bit about life in Korea. It’s not soccer. Moreno is the coach of the South Korean national team. They are there because they have the ability. That’s not what I’m talking about. As I mentioned earlier, if you have any difficulties or questions about living in Korea, I can always help you. Feel free to contact me if you see or hear this interview (lol). I can tell you anything I know about Korean culture, how to live in Korea, places to visit, etc.
Q. Osmar used to talk about life in Korea through interviews with Spanish media such as ‘As’ and ‘Marca’. This is the first time a Spanish leader will lead the Korean national team. I think it’ll feel special for Osmar, too.
Each person has a different way of living. Whether it is a player or a coaching staff, each has a working routine and a way to rest. I am very satisfied with my life in Korea. I’m also satisfied with the routine I’ve been making. But I don’t know how other people live their lives and what routines they make. Moreno came to Korea with his division. They can be colleagues and friends who work together. On my day off, I can go around here and there in Korea together. I don’t think there will be much difficulty in living in Korea because there are people with me. I store famous restaurants and places I want to go on the map. I haven’t been to all the places marked here (cell phones). Feel free to contact me if you want this information (laughs).
사진 확대 FC Seoul’s last championship was in 2016. Osmar took the lead in Seoul’s victory as the core of Seoul at that time. Photo = Korean Professional Football Federation
Q. Speaking of 2016, I will ask. Seoul is approaching winning the K League 1 this season. Although he plays for E-Land now, Osmar is a foreign player and club legend who Seoul fans love the most. What kind of feelings do you have.
There has been a big change in Seoul over the past few years. To put it more accurately, there were many changes. I know a few people in the club, but almost all of my teammates who played with me left. Still, he always takes care of the news about Seoul. It is true that Seoul is very close to winning the championship. I would like to congratulate all the members of Seoul in advance. I would be happy if Seoul lifted the trophy.
Seoul is the best team in K League 1 this season. The player composition is really good. It’s a team that deserves to win. I think Seoul fans are most eagerly waiting for the moment of victory. Congratulations to those who have loved Seoul for a long time and have been with it. I hope you enjoy the moment to your heart’s content. And I don’t want that moment of glory to end this year. I hope you will continue to enjoy the joy of winning.
Q. Shouldn’t we compete with Seoul next year.
We’ll talk about it later (laughs). I need to focus on the promotion competition right away. If we confirm our promotion, I will be asked a lot of questions related to Seoul. I will talk about the confrontation with Seoul after the promotion is confirmed.
[Mokdong = Lee Geun-seung, MK Sports Reporter]