'Captaincy Controversy' Son Heungmin: "Nothing to Feel Uncomfortable About... I Will Just Do My Best in My Position"

Amid recent speculation about a possible change in the captaincy of the South Korean national soccer team, "Captain" Son Heungmin (Los Angeles FC) emphasized, "There is nothing to feel uncomfortable about, and I will focus on the present."

South Korean national soccer player Son Heungmin is answering reporters' questions at a press conference held on the 5th (local time) at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, USA. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 6 (Korean time), at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, Son Heungmin addressed the controversy over the captaincy, stating, "There is nothing for me to feel uncomfortable about. I did have a separate conversation with Coach Hong Myungbo, but I don't think there is anything for me to say here."

He added, "I will do my best to help the team from my position," and said, "We need to perform better moving forward."

As the team shifts into 2026 North and Central America World Cup mode ahead of this A-match, controversy over the captaincy has emerged. During the squad announcement press conference, Coach Hong remarked, "It is an important time to make choices for both the individual and the team. Whether to change the captain from the start or not, I will not make a decision now, but it is something we must continue to consider."

When asked if he felt his leadership was being tested, Son Heungmin replied that he did not. He continued, "Each player does their best in their respective positions and thinks about how to help the team more. I believe my role is to pass on my skills and experience and help others accept them well."

The national team will play their first A-match against the United States at this stadium on September 7. The opposing team’s coach, Mauricio Pochettino, worked closely with Son Heungmin during their time at Tottenham, drawing attention to their reunion.

Son Heungmin said, "Coach Pochettino taught me so much that I consider him a mentor, and I have great respect for him. Although we are opponents now, I am truly happy to meet him again."