Midfielder Overcame Self-Doubt to Secure Crucial Conference League Win Ahead of National Team Duties

[OSEN=Jeong Seung-woo Reporter] "There were moments when I wondered if I truly belonged in European competitions, but today was truly a meaningful day."

Following his dramatic one goal and one assist performance against Fiorentina, Lee Jae-sung, the 'ace midfielder' of 1. FSV Mainz 05, shared his inner thoughts and impressions of joining the national team.

Lee was substituted in during the second half of the UEFA Conference League match against Fiorentina on the 7th, Korean time, assisted the equalizing goal, and scored the dramatic winning goal to lead his team to a 2-1 victory.

After the match, he said, "We hadn't won at home recently, so I thought we had to win. I entered the game while trailing, but I believed chances would come," adding, "I'm overjoyed to have assisted the equalizer and scored the decisive goal. Today's victory will greatly help us in the upcoming league and Conference League matches."

The significance of his first goal and assist in European competition was profound. Lee emphasized, "Honestly, as time passed, I often wondered, 'Will I ever play in European competitions?' I came to Germany dreaming of European competitions, but I thought it might not happen. Last season, thankfully, we achieved good results, allowing us to participate in the Conference League this year. Scoring a goal and providing an assist today feels surreal and deeply meaningful."

He added with a smile, "Mainz hasn't won many games lately, so fans must have been frustrated. I'm glad I could bring them some joy."

After the match, he led the team in a victory celebration with home fans. Lee stated, "I'm truly grateful that players, staff, and fans all celebrated together. This win will be a big boost for us. The team has faced difficulties recently, but I believe this victory will give us confidence to play better. We'll carry this momentum into our upcoming away match against Frankfurt this weekend."

Regarding his current condition ahead of joining the national team, he mentioned, "Mainz is still in European competitions, so we have many midweek matches. I heard about Hwang In-beom's situation this morning. All players are managing tight schedules and fighting injuries. The team has adjusted my playing time well, so I'm maintaining my condition without major issues. I try to prepare for every match at my best."

Ahead of the November A-match doubleheader against Bolivia and Ghana, he revealed his determination: "I'm honored to join the national team for the final evaluation matches of the year. I made my A-match debut in Daejeon, and the Century Club commemoration ceremony will take place in the same venue during the Bolivia match, making it more meaningful."

He added, "However, the team's performance is more important than my personal event. I'll focus on the game. I'm deeply grateful for this opportunity and will take it as a motivation to do better. I'll work harder to set an example as a player and an individual."

With his first goal and assist in European competition, a victory celebration with home fans, and an upcoming Century Club commemoration A-match, Lee Jae-sung's November is busier and more special than ever. /reccos23@osen.co.kr

Lee Jae-sung Scores First European Goal, Assist in Mainz Victory