Former Coach Bento Speaks Out: "I Watched Korea's Matches," Defends Son Heung-min

▲ Former head coach Paulo Bento

Although it has been nearly four years since he stepped down as head coach of the South Korean national football team, Paulo Bento’s affection and trust for his former players remain steadfast.

To the Taegeuk Warriors, who returned home early after a disappointing group stage exit, the former coach expressed his firm belief that they would overcome this failure and rise again.

On June 30, as the national team began returning home in stages following their 2026 FIFA World Cup North America campaign, former coach Bento held a video interview.

Having closely watched Korea's group stage matches during the tournament, he said, "It must be a very difficult time right now, but I have no doubt that the players will overcome this trial and bring joy to the people once again." He added, "I know very well the mindset with which the players I coached play for the national team."

Bento, who took office in September 2018, served for approximately four years and four months, making him the longest-serving head coach in the history of the South Korean national team for a single term.

He led the team with consistency throughout his four-year tenure, guiding them to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar—the team's first such achievement in 12 years—before departing without a contract renewal.

He later took the helm of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team in July 2023, but stepped down last May and is currently taking a break.

Recently enjoying the joy of becoming a grandfather following the birth of his daughter, he has been following his former students' journey in the North America tournament from the perspective of a third party, now free from the heavy burden of being a head coach.

Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), who was a key player during Bento's tenure, served as a core midfielder in this tournament, recording one goal and one assist. Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), who accompanied the team as a reserve player during the Qatar tournament, also continued the legacy of his former coach's pupils by scoring his first World Cup goal.

Son Heung-min (LAFC), who played through a facial fracture four years ago, once again shouldered the weight of the captaincy and led the attack in this tournament.

With three career World Cup goals, Son needed just one more to surpass Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung to become the sole leader in that category for Korea. However, he was unable to add to his attacking points amid intense pressure from opponents.

Following the early exit, Son expressed his regret on social media, saying, "I am sincerely sorry to the fans," and added, "I will give everything I have to bring you joy again," bowing his head.

Defending Son, who carried a heavy burden, former coach Bento said, "When the team situation is not good, it is very difficult for just one or two players to solve all the problems."

Describing Son as "the most outstanding player I have ever coached and a player with the greatest professionalism," he emphasized, "I know better than anyone what kind of heart 'Sonny' (Son's nickname) has for his country and what it means to him to play for the national team."

He added, "I am certain that Sonny will continue to show his dedication as a national team player and will continue to be proud to wear the Taegeuk mark. I hope he remains a solid pillar of strength for the national team, and I believe he has the capability to overcome this pain and prove his skills once again in the next stage."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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