Sport · World News Bureau
South Korea coach backs Son Heung-min as captain despite rift reports
South Korea manager Robert Moreno has retained Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min as captain for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, moving to dispel speculation about friction between the two.
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Moreno's decision to name the 32-year-old in the squad underscores the manager's confidence in the longtime national team leader, despite recent reports suggesting tensions within the coaching staff. Son has served as South Korea's captain since 2019 and remains a cornerstone of the team's setup ahead of the crucial Gulf matches.
The selection comes amid speculation about the relationship between Moreno and his star player, with some media outlets questioning whether leadership issues could impact team dynamics. The Spanish coach has now publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Son's captaincy through squad selection, effectively closing the door on such conjecture.
South Korea faces Saudi Arabia and Qatar in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with both matches holding significance for the team's advancement in the tournament cycle. Son's presence and leadership will be central to the national team's ambitions in the coming fixtures.