South Korea coach backs captain Son Heung-min

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has the full backing of captain Son Heung-min, saying he is still "the heart" of the team.

Son was of colour on Tuesday against Austria, in a 1-0 defeat, as he missed a few chances.

The 33-year-old started South Korea's 4-0 thrashing by the Ivory Coast last week on the bench, with Hong citing illness for that.

"Son Heung-min is the heart of our team, and I have never once doubted that," Hong told reporters.

"I tried to monitor his minutes because he was battling a cold when he first reported to camp. As far as I am concerned, Son Heung-min has been doing a superb job as captain and one of the veteran players."

South Korea's most-capped player, Son, who moved from Tottenham Hotspur to MLS side Los Angeles FC last year, has yet to score this season. This week, he reacted to suggestions that his performance had dipped.

"When the time comes for me to leave the national team, then I will do it on my own. If I can no longer play at a high level, then I shouldn't be on the national team," he told reporters.

"Now I have to return to my club and try to perform better. It's disappointing that people talk about decline whenever I hit a dry spell.

"I know there are high expectations on me because I've scored so many goals over the years. I am always doing the best I can, and I am feeling good physically."

South Korea are drawn in Group A at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup, alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic.