South Korea captain Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan and other players chat during a recovery session at Qatar University's training ground in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday (local time), ahead of two November A-match friendlies. [Yonhap]
South Korea captain Son Heung-min, Hwang Hee-chan and other players chat during a recovery session at Qatar University's training ground in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday (local time), ahead of two November A-match friendlies. [Yonhap]

South Korea's national football squad has regrouped for the first time in about a month since reports of internal discord, turning its attention to a pair of friendly matches in the Middle East.

The team, led by interim head coach Roberto Moreno of Spain, held its first full training session in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday (local time), ahead of the first of two November A-match friendlies against Saudi Arabia, scheduled for Friday (Korea time).

Players based in the domestic K League departed for Doha on Monday, while overseas-based players joined the squad on-site after completing their club commitments.

Moreno, who had traveled to Europe after announcing the November squad roster last month, also arrived in Doha on Tuesday.

In photos released by the Korea Football Association, players trained with bright expressions, with captain Son Heung-min notably seen in an extended conversation with Hwang Hee-chan.

According to South Korean reporters in Doha, including those from Yonhap, Eom Ji-seong of Swansea City said Son had offered words of encouragement to the group: "He said, 'Let's come together as one and finish these last two matches well.'"

Jung Woo-young of Union Berlin also relayed Son's message: "He said, 'I hope we can all have fun, laugh together and bring good energy.' I'm going to try to do just that."


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