The Korea Football Association has completed the application process for the interim head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, with Japanese media reporting that Gus Poyet, the former head coach of Jeonbuk Hyundai, is a strong candidate.
On August 10, the Japanese outlet Sports Nippon Annex cited multiple sources, stating, "Gus Poyet, a Uruguayan who led Jeonbuk Hyundai in the K League 1 until last season, has been confirmed as the leading candidate for the new head coach of the South Korean national team."
The report added, "The Korea Football Association plans to finalize the selection of the interim coach in August," noting that Poyet, who took over Jeonbuk in 2025 and led the team to a K League 1 championship after four years, is a likely choice. According to sources, his appointment is almost certain.
Furthermore, it was projected that Poyet would serve as the interim coach for six A matches scheduled from September to November.
The speculation about Poyet emerged immediately after the Korea Football Association closed the application process. According to the association, the application period for the interim head coach ended at 5 p.m. on August 9.
On August 10, the association stated, "The application process for the interim head coach of the men's national soccer team closed yesterday (August 9) at 5 p.m. This week, we plan to appoint some members of the Strengthening Committee and external members to form an evaluation committee," adding, "Based on the submitted applications, we will review the candidates' qualifications next week and conduct online interviews. After determining the priority negotiation order based on the evaluation committee's results, we will begin negotiations."
Many domestic and international coaches reportedly applied for the interim head coach position. However, the association emphasized fairness and confidentiality in the selection process, considering the recent atmosphere within and outside the soccer community.
Poyet is a familiar figure to South Korean soccer fans. He took the helm of Jeonbuk in the 2025 season, leading the team to victories in both the K League 1 and the Korea Cup, achieving a double. However, he parted ways with Jeonbuk amid controversy after assistant coach Mauricio Tarico faced disciplinary action for racist remarks directed at referees.
Afterward, Poyet signed a short-term contract with Al Khaleej in the Saudi Arabian first division in April, but he struggled with a record of two wins and five losses in seven matches, failing to secure an extension.
The newly appointed interim head coach will oversee a total of six A matches scheduled for September and October (four matches) and November (two matches). The national team decided to select an interim head coach through public recruitment after former coach Hong Myung-bo resigned due to the team's failure to advance past the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
The selection criteria are stringent. According to the Korea Sports Council's regulations for national team selection and operation, applicants must form a coaching staff of at least five and a maximum of seven members, centered around the head coach. Foreign applicants must possess the highest coaching qualifications issued by the continental federation under FIFA. Additionally, foreign coaches are required to have relevant qualifications and at least five years of coaching experience in their respective fields.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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