'World Cup Last Dance' Son Heung-min's Slump → Coach Hong Myung-bo: "I Met Him Directly in LA and Spoke..." [Gwanghwamun On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean just around the corner, Son Heung-min is in a slump, yet trust in the captain remains unwavering. Coach Hong Myung-bo recently expressed his honest feelings about Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), who has been struggling with a goal drought at his club.

At a press conference held on the 16th at West Onmadang, KT Gwanghwamun Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for the announcement of the final roster, Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "So Sok-tim-gwa (CEO) is clearly different," adding, "I went to LA directly and watched Son Heung-min play. Unlike when he performs for the national team, he is playing in a lower position at his club."

Recently, Son Heung-min has been suffering from a goal drought, failing to score in 10 consecutive league matches this season. The explosive power that saw him net 12 goals in 13 matches last season has noticeably diminished since being deployed as a second-line attacking midfielder following the appointment of coach Marc Dos Santos.

In response, South Africa's football specialist media outlet 'Kickoff,' South Korea's final group-stage opponent, also focused intensely on Son Heung-min's performance, stating, "As South Korea's star player has fallen into a severe slump, the group-stage opponents have gained an advantageous position."

The national team commander remained unshaken by the captain's slump. Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "Since the call-up, I have communicated directly with the players to deeply share and discuss what position and Jeon Sul-i (CEO) would be most suitable and beneficial for both the team and the players."

He also expressed infinite trust in Son Heung-min's spiritual leadership as the team's captain. Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "There is nothing more I need to ask of captain Son Heung-min. If he continues to perform as he has done so far, he will be a great asset to the team." He added, "I will create an environment where Son Heung-min and all players can communicate smoothly and prepare for the World Cup in a joyful and comfortable manner."

However, Son Heung-min has failed to score in 10 consecutive league matches this season. The explosive power that saw him net 12 goals in 13 matches last season has noticeably diminished since being deployed as a second-line attacking midfielder following the appointment of coach Marc Dos Santos. According to statistics specialist media 'FootMob,' Son Heung-min, who took 46 shots (27 on target) in 13 matches during the 2025 season, has managed only 26 shots (5 on target) this season. Despite leading the league with 8 assists, his greatest strength—goal-scoring power—has significantly declined.

With the situation as described, South Africa's football specialist media outlet 'Kickoff,' South Korea's final group-stage opponent, also reported, "As South Korea's star player has fallen into a severe slump, the group-stage opponents have gained an advantageous position," focusing intensely on Son Heung-min's performance.

Despite the statistical slump, Coach Hong Myung-bo has maintained unwavering trust. Son Heung-min, who has made the final roster, is scheduled to join the U.S. pre-camp in Salt Lake City around the 24th. The national team will play friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago on May 31 and El Salvador on June 4, before embarking on their official campaign with their first group-stage match against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 12.

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*This content was translated by AI.