With the brand new head coach and some new faces aboard for South Korea, captain Son Heung-min has so much to juggle because the Taegeuk Warriors put together to host Palestine in a World Cup qualifier.
He must be the bridge between Hong Myung-bo, about to start his second stint because the senior males’s bench boss, and the remainder of the group, whereas additionally ensuring a handful of children can discover their footing. Son additionally has an important on-pitch function because the group’s offensive engine.
The 32-year-old mentioned Wednesday he is able to lead by instance and set the tone for his squad.
“I feel my job is to set a very good instance for my teammates to observe, relatively than speaking an excessive amount of,” Son mentioned on the prematch press convention at Seoul World Cup Stadium, the venue of the Palestine match kicking off at 8 p.m. Thursday. Will probably be the primary Group B match for each groups within the third spherical of the Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
“If my teammates simply do what they’ve carried out all alongside, play with a way of duty and respect for each other, and attempt to make our followers glad, then we’ll be in fine condition,” Son added.
He has been sporting the armband since 2018, making him the longest-serving captain in South Korean soccer historical past. Son mentioned he has by no means as soon as taken the place with no consideration, and thanked his teammates for making his job simpler.
Whereas he isn’t a lot of a talker, Son mentioned he addressed the group Tuesday about how they need to strategy the upcoming match.
“We now have a number of new guys right here. I perceive they might really feel a bit awkward and intimidated, and I instructed them they actually should not,” Son mentioned. “Regardless of who joins the nationwide group, they need to attempt to present their colours. And that may assist the group as nicely. So I instructed them to be themselves and to believe.”
Son is one in every of solely two gamers who performed for Hong on the 2014 World Cup throughout Hong’s first stint. Requested whether or not he felt Hong, lengthy often known as a disciplinarian sort, has softened through the years, Son mentioned, “He is the chief of this group and I do not suppose he needs to be mushy.”
“It is essential for him to be himself and produce his charisma to the group. All of us perceive that and respect that,” Son added. “And if we will observe his guidelines, it is going to assist us on and off the sphere.”
Earlier than Hong was employed as alternative for Jurgen Klinsmann in July, South Korea performed their closing 4 matches within the second spherical of the World Cup qualification underneath two non permanent head coaches. And the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment have been controversial, too.
Son mentioned exterior noise has not affected the group’s preparation for the brand new qualification spherical.
“Regardless of the scenario, now we have held regular and that is what we’re imagined to do,” Son mentioned. “I feel all of the gamers have joined this camp with the precise mindset, and I’m pleased with them as their captain. Crucial factor for tomorrow is to win, and I actually needn’t say a lot. If we will all come collectively as a group, I’m positive we are going to come away with a very good consequence.”
With yet one more look, Son will climb to fourth place on the all-time South Korean checklist with 128 caps, breaking a tie with former left again Lee Younger-pyo. Son will then be inside eight of the 2 co-leaders in that class, former striker Cha Bum-kun and the present nationwide group head coach Hong.
Son mentioned he has by no means been one to concentrate to non-public glory and he is not about to vary his methods.
“I solely take into consideration what I can do to assist deliver the very best outcomes for the group,” Son mentioned. “I’m honored simply to be requested about this, and I’m grateful that I preserve getting these alternatives to play for the nation. Hopefully, we will mark the event with a victory tomorrow in order that the reminiscence will final a very long time.”