Qatar hero Bento, Jeonbuk savior Poyet throw hats into ring for Taeguk Warriors manager
While Korean coaches have stayed mum, the Portuguese and Uruguayan have expressed interest in the job as the KFA faces urgency and leadership uncertainty.
Portuguese football manager Paulo Bento, left, and Uruguayan football manager Gus PoyetYONHAP
While Korean potential candidates have remained largely silent, a pair of familiar foreign managers have begun expressing interest in the men's national team manager position.
The first to make a move was former Taeguk Warrior gaffer Paulo Bento.
"Korea's poor performance cannot be blamed on just one or two people," the former manager said in an interview following the side's early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
He has since reportedly conveyed his interest in the national team’s managerial position through an acquaintance at the Korea Football Association (KFA).
Bento still enjoys strong support from Korean football fans after he guided the Warriors to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Despite his popularity, his chances are hurt by the fact that his managerial career has lost momentum since Qatar.
Even if he were chosen, he would have to rebuild his staff, as the coaches that contributed to Korea's 2022 run have since dispersed.
Another contender is former Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors coach Gus Poyet, who was widely regarded as the leading foreign candidate before Hong Myung-bo was appointed two years ago. Poyet also reportedly signaled his interest after he replied “Yes, I am interested and want to apply” to a fan’s social media comment.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors manager Gus Poyet celebrates after his team clinches the K League 1 title with a 2-0 victory over Suwon FC at Jeonju World Cup Stadium in Jeonju, North Jeolla, on Oct. 18, 2025.YONHAP
The Uruguayan made a strong case for himself in K League 1 last year as he guided Jeonbuk from the brink of relegation to the title.
The search for the next national team manager has become complicated, with the KFA presidency open in the wake of Chung Mong-gyu's resignation.
The committee overseeing the search for a new head coach was appointed by the deeply unpopular former football czar, but with friendlies just around the corner, the federation may not be able to wait for a leadership change before naming a new manager.
The national team is scheduled to play friendlies from September to November before heading to the AFC Asian Cup in January of next year.
"September's [friendlies] are right around the corner, so the appointment cannot be delayed, whether it is for an interim manager or a permanent one," football sources said. "The most realistic solution is for the innovation committee, co-chaired by Park Ji-sung, to quickly draw up guidelines for appointing the next national team manager and submit them to the national team strengthening committee.”
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
