Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) has been selected as the 'Player of the Year' for 2024 by the Korea Football Association. While reporting this news, local British media put forward unfounded claims of discord between Son Heung-min and head coach Ange Postecoglou (60).

The Korea Football Association stated on the 31st of last month (Korean time) that Son Heung-min accumulated a total of 109 points to narrowly surpass last year's winner Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, 104 points) and reclaim the title.

The Player of the Year by the Korea Football Association is selected based on a total points score calculated from 50% of the votes from the press and 50% of the votes from association experts (Technical Development Committee and Women’s Football head coaches).

British 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 1st that this is Son Heung-min's eighth career award, noting, "Son Heung-min, who has faced criticism for underwhelming performance this season, has shared some positive news."

The media added, "Son Heung-min has scored 7 goals and provided 9 assists in the Premier League this season, but he is still receiving evaluations of underperformance compared to his usual form. There are analyses suggesting that his such performance could negatively impact head coach Ange Postecoglou's position."

'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported, "Despite the uncertain situation, Son Heung-min delivered positive news. With speculation about him potentially leaving Tottenham after the season, he recently received a significant award in South Korea."

'The media pointed out, "Despite facing multiple difficulties this season, Son Heung-min, as the team captain, still has the chance to lift his first Tottenham trophy. Tottenham has reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and is focused on reclaiming a major trophy for the first time in 17 years." They emphasized, "For this to happen, Son Heung-min needs to play his role as the team's ace again, and this 'Player of the Year' award could serve to boost his confidence."

However, 'Tottenham Hotspur News' stated, "In recent weeks, Son Heung-min has been excluded from the starting lineup at times, and comments expressing dissatisfaction about his playing time may have affected his relationship with the coach."

There is a reason why this part of the article was expressed as 'unfounded claims.' 'Tottenham Hotspur News' has continuously claimed since the 22nd of last month that "upon hearing Son Heung-min's interview, coach Postecoglou could take offense to Son Heung-min's remarks."

The basis for this was a pre-match press conference that took place on March 19 at Goyang Stadium before the match against Oman. At that press conference, Son Heung-min stated, "I feel very good physically. As I have said multiple times, this is my best condition. March has been physically demanding with both the Europa League and the league, but it seems the coach has made that judgment to help maintain better conditioning. I currently have no physical issues."

Regarding this statement, Tottenham Hotspur interpreted it as Son Heung-min being dissatisfied with Postecoglou's management of his playing time. Son Heung-min left the impression that it was 'not due to fitness.'

Head coach Postecoglou explained, "I made rotations for physical reasons," but some British media speculated that "Son Heung-min may be gradually being sidelined for tactical reasons." Despite being a claim, it is unusual for a player's opportunities to decrease.

Looking at Son Heung-min's actual remarks, it could be interpreted more as expressing confidence in his current physical condition and also respect for the coach's judgment. At Goyang Stadium, Son Heung-min added, "It seems the coach made that decision for a better situation," showing his understanding regarding the management of playing time.

British media, including 'Tottenham Hotspur News,' have exaggerated the situation into a 'conflict narrative.'

Ultimately, even in the article on the 1st related to the 'Player of the Year' award, 'Tottenham Hotspur News' concluded Son Heung-min's press conference contents as "dissatisfaction with playing time" and claimed, "This may have affected his relationship with the coach."

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