"I Will Follow the KFA's Procedures": Gus Poyet Expresses Strong Interest in National Team Job

Interest is heating up regarding the next head coach of the South Korean national football team, a position that has been vacant following the team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and the Caribbean.

Amid this, manager Gus Poyet, who has experienced Korean football firsthand and proven his leadership through the K-League, has publicly expressed his intention to take on the challenge.

It is reported that Poyet has conveyed his strong desire to lead the Korean national team to those around him, stating that he is not concerned about the contract period or specific terms.

Poyet reportedly told an associate, "Whether it is an application, an interview, or a presentation, I will follow the procedures set by the Korea Football Association (KFA)," adding, "I want to help restore the fans' trust in the national football team."

This is not the first time Poyet has been linked to the Korean national team.

Following the dismissal of Jurgen Klinsmann in 2024, he was mentioned as a candidate for the next head coach and was indeed one of the foreign candidates interviewed by the KFA.

At that time, Technical Director Lee Im-saeng traveled to Europe to meet with candidates including Poyet and David Wagner, but the final choice was Hong Myung-bo.

Poyet subsequently continued his connection with Korea by taking the helm of the K-League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Under Poyet's leadership, Jeonbuk achieved a double, winning both the 2025 K-League 1 title and the Korea Cup.

Poyet's strengths are considered to be his extensive experience and his ability to command the squad.

Poyet previously managed Sunderland in the English Premier League and also has experience as the head coach of the Greece national team.

In particular, the fact that he has already grasped the characteristics of Korean players and understands the domestic football culture sets him apart from other foreign coaching candidates.

The Korea Football Association is expected to begin the official appointment process for the national team head coach in the near future.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Da-in | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.