Son Heung-min, the captain of the national soccer team, expressed his thoughts on the confrontation between Kim Min-jae and his fans.
The South Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 0-0 in the first round of the Asian regional qualifying round for the ‘2026 FIFA North-China World Cup’ against Palestine at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th.
Son started as left wing forward on the day. The first half did not go as well. He led the game by increasing the ball possession rate of Korea, but failed to target Palestinian defense. Amid frustrating attack, he had only one effective shot.
In the second half of the game, Son’s attacks gradually revived. He then had several chances, but was hampered by his decision-making ability. Son had a one-on-one chance after receiving a long pass from Lee Kang-in in the 34th minute of the second half, but failed to take a shot due to his long final touch. At the end of the second half, his shot that overtook the goalkeeper hit the post, and the game ended in a disappointing draw.
“When I can’t win, I feel sad and sadder than anyone else,” Son said after the match at the mixed zone. “Players did their best. Despite this, we created chances and there were not only bad parts. When we come to an away game in Korea, we try not to score a goal. This is homework to be solved. We have only one game to play, so we don’t have to be disappointed. We have nine more games to play our best game.” 안전놀이터
Fans who visited the stadium strongly criticized Hong and Chung Mong-gyu, president of the Korea Football Association. “Hong Myung-bo, Jung Mong-gyu, please” expressed discontent about the process of appointing the coach. Whenever Hong appeared on the electronic display, he booed the coach continuously.
Son Heung-min said, “I’m upset. I can’t speak for many fans. I think there must be a way for fans to cheer for us. We can’t change the result when the coach has been decided. If you think about the team as a captain, I think it’s right to ask for your support and love.”
There was also a dizzying scene after the match. Kim Min-jae was seen on the broadcast screen having a war of words with fans as he went to the stands behind the goal. “It was not a serious situation, and I asked the players to cheer me on,” Kim said.
In response, Son Heung-min said, “A situation like Min-jae should never come out again. The relationship should be good. We want the Republic of Korea to win, but rather than a bad atmosphere, we hope the fans will encourage us. With the support of the fans, the players have the power to take a step forward when they are in a difficult time. We should not make enemies, but destroy opponents. I hope the fans will also think about it.”
On his physical condition, he said, “I’m okay. I don’t know what the coach thought, but I want to do my best at the stadium. I think it’s an excuse to be tired. It’s not like I come back and forth to Korea once or twice, but I’m playing in a glorious uniform. I’m trying my best.”
Son Heung-min said, “After the game, the coach said something difficult. I think I did my best to the players and encouraged them. Now that it is not easy to play at home, away games will be more difficult.”
“On the one hand, I feel sorry and fortunate that the away game is better in the ground condition. Despite many players with good skills, it was difficult to control or dribble the ball today. I think it’s a pity that the fans can’t play a fast tempo game, but I hope it improves a lot at home,” he added.