Son Heung-min Claims Fitness Fine Amid Tottenham’s Struggles

LONDON, England — Son Heung-min, Tottenham Hotspur‘s star forward, has publicly refuted claims regarding his fitness following his recent omission from the squad. After head coach Ange Postecoglou did not start Son during matches against Bournemouth and Fulham, speculation surrounding the South Korean player’s condition intensified.

During a press conference prior to South Korea’s upcoming match against Oman on March 20, Son stated, “My physical condition is perfectly fine. My body is in the best shape it’s ever been.” His comments contradict Postecoglou’s earlier remarks attributing Son’s absence to fitness concerns.

Despite his claims of good health, Son has experienced a decline in playing time recently. He has started only one match since February 9 and has been relegated to the bench for critical fixtures. This season, he has contributed 11 goals and 10 assists across all competitions but has seen his role diminish as Tottenham faces extensive criticism for its inconsistent performances.

Tottenham’s difficulties were on full display in their latest Premier League match against Fulham, which resulted in a disappointing 2-0 loss. The defeat marks Spurs’ 15th league loss this season, a record for the club over the last 16 years. In a game lacking in offensive spark, Fulham capitalized on Tottenham’s defensive lapses.

After the match, Postecoglou expressed his frustration, acknowledging that his team has struggled to capitalize on opportunities and often allows “soft goals” that shift the momentum to opponents. “We should have got something out of the game,” he stated. “It’s unacceptable to see 15 league defeats.”

Tottenham’s lack of success preceding the international break has left players and supporters frustrated, with the team having not secured a victory before a break since October 2023.

As the team focuses on the Europa League, which has provided a slight glimmer of hope following their advancement to the quarterfinals, the upcoming league fixtures present a challenge. Postecoglou emphasized the need to avoid further losses as their season unfolds.

Son’s public statement regarding his fitness adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Postecoglou’s management decisions and marks a critical moment for the team as they navigate a tumultuous season.