홍명보 감독, “손흥민을 한 번도 의심하지 않았다”며 2연패에도 변함없는 신뢰 표명

Despite experiencing back-to-back defeats in their European friendlies, Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed unwavering confidence in Son Heung-min. The South Korean national football team faced defeats against the Ivory Coast national football team (0-4) and the Austrian national football team (0-1) in late March 2026. With the 2026 North America World Cup just three months away, concerns have escalated. However, Coach Hong stated, "I have never doubted Son Heung-min."

Son Heung-min played in both matches but failed to add any goals or assists to his tally. His performance was particularly noticeable in the match against Austria, where he missed crucial shots in both halves, leaving fans disappointed. Despite only scoring once this season with his club, LAFC, concerns about his aging curve have emerged. Nonetheless, Coach Hong praised Son for his leadership as the team captain, even while under the weather, and maintained that Son"s leadership and influence on the game remain vital for the team.

Born in 1992, Son Heung-min is regarded as one of the finest forwards in the history of Korean football. A former Premier League top scorer, he is known for his quick dribbling, ambidextrous shooting, and ability to exploit spaces. Recently, he has shifted his focus from explosive speed to game management and link-up play. During the European tour, he attempted to orchestrate attacks from both the front and flanks, but the overall execution of the team’s offense fell short.

The matches also showcased some disappointing elements. In the game against Ivory Coast, the team maintained decent possession and pressure until the hydration break but lost momentum and conceded four goals post-break. The match against Austria began with a stable back three formation, but the team"s dynamics crumbled following an early goal in the second half. Coach Hong identified the team"s difficulty in managing games post-conceding as a significant issue.

However, Coach Hong noted some positive developments with the back three and the midfield setup, particularly praising the partnership of Kim Jin-kyu and Baek Seung-ho for bringing stability to the midfield. He mentioned that the tactical framework is nearing completion. The remaining challenges include enhancing defensive coordination, managing physical fitness, and recovering the condition of key players like Son Heung-min. Coach Hong committed to evaluating both European and K-League players thoroughly before finalizing the squad for the World Cup.

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