Robert Moreno has named Son Heung-min as captain of South Korea for next month's friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, despite reports of friction between the LAFC forward and some of his senior international teammates.
Son, 34, now playing in Major League Soccer after leaving Tottenham, was included in a squad that also features Europe-based regulars Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom. Reports had suggested the trio were ready to quit the national team last month.
Moreno said he had held "many conversations with the players" since taking charge on an interim basis following South Korea's World Cup exit in North America. "I spent more time communicating than training," he told a news conference on Thursday that lasted more than an hour.
"Even in the best teams, people can have different opinions. What matters is how those differences are resolved," Moreno said.
Asked directly about Son's leadership role, the Spaniard was unequivocal: "The captain is Son Heung-min. I have nothing more to say."
Speculation about discord within the squad grew after Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae threw his boots in anger after being substituted during a 0-0 home friendly draw with Venezuela earlier this month. Kim later said "every player needs to put their head down and give it their all," comments that fuelled talk of divisions in the squad.
Moreno pushed back on that narrative, insisting "the team is healthy" and backing the players to work together. "I believe you can find the answer in what I have said today and the squad that has been announced," he said.
South Korea's football association this month urged fans to stop "excessive personal attacks" on players, as the national team remains under scrutiny following a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw coach Hong Myung-bo quit after a group-stage exit.
Moreno's contract is set to expire after the upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, though South Korean football officials could extend his stay through the Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia in January.
