South Korea head coach Robert Moreno has confirmed that Son Heung-min will retain his position as team captain, moving to dismiss persistent speculation regarding friction between the LAFC forward and his senior international teammates. Addressing the media on Thursday, Moreno included the 34-year-old star in his squad selection for upcoming friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The interim manager, who took charge following the team’s disappointing group-stage exit at the World Cup in North America, acknowledged the squad’s internal atmosphere. “I spent more time communicating than training,” the Spaniard stated during a press briefing that exceeded an hour. He emphasized that he has held many conversations with the players to address internal dynamics, noting that even within elite squads, differing opinions are inevitable. “What matters is how those differences are resolved,” he added. “Even in the best teams, people can have different opinions. According to “I believe you can find the answer in what I have, Today and the squad that has been announced,” he said.
Rumours of squad divisions intensified after Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae displayed clear frustration during a 0-0 home draw against Venezuela, throwing his boots upon being substituted. According to kim, Afterwards that “every player needs to put their head down and give it their all”, fuelling talk of divisions within the squad.
His subsequent comments, suggesting that teammates needed to work harder, further fueled public perception of a fractured dressing room. Despite this, Moreno maintained that the group remains unified. “The team is healthy,” he stated, pointing to the latest squad announcement as a clear signal of his confidence in the current roster.
Alongside Son, Moreno has selected experienced Europe-based players Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan, and Hwang In-beom—a trio that media reports previously suggested were considering international retirement. While the coach’s current contract concludes after next month’s friendlies, reports indicate he remains a candidate for the permanent role heading into the Asian Cup in January.
The national team continues to face significant scrutiny following the resignation of former coach Hong Myung-bo after the World Cup failure. Addressing the broader environment surrounding the squad, the South Korean Football Association recently issued a public appeal for fans to cease excessive personal attacks against players, aiming to protect the team as they prepare for their upcoming international fixtures.
