Heung-Min Son (31, Tottenham), an icon of Korean football, pledged to take the lead in being appointed as the captain of the ‘Klinsman’.
Son Heung-min became the first captain of the Korean national football team under coach Jurgen Klinsmann. It has been 4 years and 7 months since the debut of former manager Paulo Bento in September 2018.
Son Heung-min, who became the captain of the Bento and the Klinsman, became the longest-serving captain among all Korean players. If Son Heung-min plays until the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America, it is possible for up to 8 years. The person who wore the captain’s armband for a long time after Son Heung-min was Kim Ho-gon, former general manager of Suwon FC, who led the team for 4 years and 4 months from June 1975 to September 1979.
Son Heung-min said at the official press conference for the evaluation match against Colombia held at Munsu Soccer Stadium in Ulsan on the afternoon of the 23rd, “Actually, while preparing for the Qatar World Cup, in some way, most of the players were going out for the first time.” He continued, “I have experienced the World Cup now, and I must have felt that (the World Cup) was a difficult and desperate stage,” and “It will be helpful for the next four years.”
He emphasized, “I am the team captain, but it is important for my teammates to make plays that they can do best.” In particular, Son Heung-min is committed to creating an environment in which young players can do well by releasing them in difficult situations.
To this end, Son Heung-min raised his voice, saying, “I will act rather than speak. I will take the lead so that the players can learn from me.” He also added, “I want the players to follow me by showing it through my actions.” 먹튀검증
Coach Klinsman, along with captain Son Heung-min, will make his debut match between Colombia and Korea at 8:00 p.m. on the 24th at Ulsan Munsu Soccer Stadium. On the 28th, they clash with Uruguay in the second warm-up match. Head coach Klinsman, who did not have enough time to look at the players after arriving in Korea earlier this month, will mainly play the Qatar World Cup players for this evaluation match.
Son Heung-min said, “I train with members who have been to the World Cup, so we know each other’s favorite plays in any environment.” He emphasized, “I hope each of us can show off our strengths a lot,” and “we will play the game we like and are the best at.”