Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) has made remarks during a national team press conference that are being interpreted unexpectedly in the UK. His comments are being seen as a signal of a discord with Tottenham's coach Ange Postecoglou.

The UK 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "following Son Heung-min's interview, there are reports that Postecoglou may be displeased with his comments."

Another UK media outlet, 'Football Insider', also reported that "Son Heung-min publicly mentioned his recent reduction in playing time during a press conference. This contradicts the coach's explanation."

Ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Oman on the 19th, Son Heung-min stated during a press conference, "I am in very good shape. As I have said several times, now is the best time for my condition. I expended a lot of energy in March due to the Europa League and league matches, but it seems the coach has judged that I can maintain a better condition. My body is fine at the moment."

These remarks are being interpreted differently from the coach's recent comments about excluding Son Heung-min from the starting lineup due to 'fitness management.' Son Heung-min positively evaluated his physical condition, leaving the implication that it was not 'because of fitness.' The UK 'Independent' noted that "the coach may be angry about this comment," heightening tensions.

In fact, Son Heung-min has participated in 40 matches this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists, making him the only player on the team to achieve double-digit goals and assists. However, he has increasingly not started in recent Premier League matches, only playing a full match once since February. Notably, he started on the bench in both the Fulham and Bournemouth matches.

Coach Postecoglou explained, "We implemented rotation for fitness reasons," but some UK media are speculating whether "Son Heung-min is gradually being pushed out of the plan for tactical reasons." It is unusual for a captain to see a reduction in playing opportunities despite being a key player.

Amid this, controversy over Son Heung-min is brewing among fans. Alongside poor performance, opinions such as "now is the time to part ways with Son Heung-min" have emerged, and some extreme fans have even argued for a termination of his contract. Consequently, rumors of a summer transfer are cautiously resurfacing. Although his contract extends until 2026, there is an analysis that the possibility of a transfer cannot be ruled out if Tottenham pushes for a restructuring. Notably, there are reports that Saudi League and some European clubs have shown interest in Son Heung-min.

Examining Son Heung-min's actual remarks, it can be interpreted that he did not intend to provoke conflict, but rather expressed confidence about his physical condition along with respect for the coach's judgment. Upon meeting Son Heung-min at Goyang Sports Complex, he added, "It seems the coach made that decision for a better situation," indicating understanding of the adjustment in his playing time.

It is also true that UK media have a tendency to overly depict this as a 'conflict.' So far, there has been no official response from Coach Postecoglou's side, and it remains unclear whether there is a rift in the relationship between the two sides.

Ultimately, if Son Heung-min continues to face exclusion from the starting lineup and specific movements are detected in the summer transfer market, this controversy may escalate further. However, for now, the fact remains that Son Heung-min is the captain with the highest level of attacking power and leadership within the team, and there is still the possibility that he could return to a central role depending on circumstances.

Son Heung-min's remarks were an expression of his confidence, but the UK media is expanding the interpretation as signs of friction, leading to unnecessary controversy.

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