Following the resignation of coach Hong Myung-bo, the Korea Football Association (KFA) has begun the process of selecting a new head coach for the South Korean national soccer team. Speculation about potential candidates is heating up.
On July 12, various social media platforms circulated an image listing five individuals rumored to be in contention for the position of head coach for the South Korean national team.
The image features Paulo Bento, Gus Poyet, Roberto Martinez, Zlatko Dalic, and Javier Aguirre.
Paulo Bento, who led the South Korean team from 2018 to 2022, guided the team to its 10th consecutive World Cup appearance and a round of 16 finish at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Recently, reports have emerged indicating his interest in returning to the national team, drawing attention from soccer fans.
Gus Poyet, who previously managed Jeonbuk Hyundai in the K League, is also being considered. Having coached teams such as Brighton, Sunderland, Real Betis, and the Greece national team, he is recognized for his understanding of Korean soccer and the K League, and has reportedly expressed interest in the national team coaching position.
Roberto Martinez is another candidate. He previously led Belgium's golden generation and is currently the head coach of the Portugal national team, known for his extensive experience in international competitions. Some foreign media outlets have listed him as a potential candidate for the South Korean national team.
Recently, Zlatko Dalic has gained significant attention. He led Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 Russia World Cup and a third-place finish at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, earning global acclaim. Reports indicate that several national teams, including South Korea, are interested in him.
Javier Aguirre is also consistently mentioned. He has managed the Mexico national team, Atletico Madrid, and Mallorca, where he is credited with fostering the development of Lee Kang-in. Mexican media have reported that Aguirre is among the candidates for the South Korean national team head coach position.
Online reactions include comments such as, "There is no more proven coach than Bento," "If Dalic comes, it would be an unprecedented appointment," "Martinez would be a dream coach in Asia," "Poyet knows the K League well and would adapt quickly," and "Considering Lee Kang-in, Aguirre is also an interesting choice." However, some voices caution that "the system of the football association needs to change before focusing on the coach" and that "support is crucial, even if a world-class coach is brought in."
It is important to note that the five individuals mentioned are not officially confirmed candidates by the KFA. They are being discussed in recent foreign media and within the soccer community, and the final selection process is still ongoing, with no confirmation of official negotiations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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