South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo has dismissed growing concerns over the form of captain Son Heung-min, insisting the experienced striker remains “the heart” of the team Qisgx.
Son, South Korea’s most capped player and second-highest goalscorer, missed a pair of chances in a 1-0 defeat to Austria on Tuesday, with his performances under scrutiny ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The 33-year-old started on the bench in South Korea’s 4-0 defeat to Ivory Coast last week, with Hong explaining this was due to illness.
“Son Heung-min is the heart of our team, and I have never doubted that,” Hong told reporters.
«I tried to keep an eye on his minutes because he was battling a cold when he first reported to camp. As far as I’m concerned, Son Heung-min has done a fantastic job as captain and as one of the experienced players.»
Son, who is yet to score for his club Los Angeles FC in the MLS this season, this week pushed back on suggestions that there had been a dip in the level of his performances.
«When the time comes for me to leave the national team, I will do it on my own. If I can no longer play at a high level, then I should not be in the national team,» he told reporters.
«Now I have to return to my club and try to perform better. It’s disappointing that people talk about decline when I go into a dry spell.»
«I know there are high expectations for me because I have scored so many goals over the years. I always do my best and I feel good physically.»
South Korea will play in Group A at the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
Published on April 2, 2026
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