South Korea boss backs Son as captain after rift rumours

South Korea's football coach, Robert Moreno, has named Son Heung-min as the team's captain for upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, despite rumors of tension between Son and some of his senior international teammates. Son, now 34 and playing for LAFC in Major League Soccer, has been included in the squad for the friendlies, alongside experienced players Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan, and Hwang In-beom.

Moreno stated that he has spent more time communicating with the players than training since taking on an interim coaching role following South Korea's disappointing World Cup performance in North America. He emphasized the importance of resolving differences within the team, asserting that the captain is currently Son Heung-min.

Speculation about discord arose after Kim complained about being substituted during a friendly match against Venezuela. However, Moreno affirmed that the team is healthy and capable of working together, citing the announced squad as evidence. The South Korean football association had recently urged fans to refrain from making excessive personal attacks on players following their poor World Cup performance.