It seems that Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham) comments at a press conference are being reported with a strange nuance in the UK.

Tottenham news outlet Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 22nd (Korea time) that, "As Son Heung-min's interview content has become known, claims have emerged that manager Ange Postecoglou could have conflicts with Son Heung-min."

Along with this, Football Insider also reported that, "During a press conference in the A-match period, Son Heung-min publicly spoke about his recent decrease in playing time. His comments conflict with the manager's explanation." As a result, attention is focused on the subtle atmosphere between Son Heung-min and manager Postecoglou in the UK.

Key issue: a single comment in an interview, a spark for conflict?

Son Heung-min expressed his views at a press conference held ahead of the A-match against Oman on the 19th.

"I am in very good physical condition. As I've mentioned repeatedly, my body is in the best shape yet. In March, I had a tough schedule with matches in the Europa League and the league, and there were many substitute appearances. Since there are so many matches, I believe the team manager made that choice to create a better situation. I am still maintaining a good condition now."

This statement could be interpreted as being different from the explanation given by manager Postecoglou, who recently excluded Son Heung-min from selection for 'physical management.' Unlike the manager's mention of physical issues, the player firmly stated, "There is no problem." Regarding this, the UK Independent noted that "Postecoglou might be outraged by this comment," raising the possibility of conflict between the two sides.

Decrease in playing time and transfer rumors

Son Heung-min has played in 40 matches this season for Tottenham, recording 11 goals and 10 assists. He is the only player in the team to achieve double-digit goals and assists simultaneously. However, since February 9, he has only played a full match in the Premier League once, and recently he was excluded from the starting lineup in matches against Fulham and Bournemouth.

Manager Postecoglou stated it was for "physical rotation," but local media analyze that Son Heung-min is no longer included in the manager's core plans. The continuous exclusion of captain Son Heung-min from matches is considered unusual.

Some Tottenham fans, coinciding with the recent poor performance, have expressed that "now is the time to part ways with Son Heung-min." Especially following the defeat against Fulham, there has been extreme reactions in fan communities suggesting, "Let’s terminate Son Heung-min's contract."

As a result, the possibility of Son Heung-min's transfer in the summer is being cautiously raised. Although his contract is valid until 2026, it is said that he may leave the team if the club embarks on a major rebuilding effort. It is reported that the Saudi Arabian league and some major European clubs are keeping an eye on Son Heung-min's situation.

What is the nuance of Son Heung-min's press conference?

Interestingly, looking closely at Son Heung-min's comments, they seem more like an explanation of his condition while respecting the manager's decision rather than a mere expression of dissatisfaction.

On the 19th, Son Heung-min, whom I met directly at the Goyang Comprehensive Sports Park, added that he believes, "The manager made a choice to create a better situation," stating that thanks to this management of playing time, he was able to be in the best physical condition for the A-match.

In other words, it cannot be ruled out that the media has expanded this into a conflict frame. As of now, there is no official response from manager Postecoglou.

It remains to be seen how the relationship between Postecoglou and Son Heung-min may develop after the resumption of the league. If Son Heung-min continues to be excluded from the starting lineup and expresses dissatisfaction officially, the possibility of a summer transfer will gain further strength.

Son Heung-min is still the captain of Tottenham and a player with top-level offensive production in the team. If coordination among the club, the manager, and the player is achieved, there is sufficient room for him to return to the center.

Son Heung-min's interview clearly expressed confidence in his physical condition. However, the British media began to interpret this as a signal of conflict, creating an overreaction. The trust relationship between Postecoglou and Son Heung-min, as well as the direction of Tottenham's rebuilding, is expected to have a significant impact on future developments.

[OSEN]