Javier Aguirre Emerges as Candidate for South Korea National Football Team Head Coach

The name of Javier Aguirre has surfaced as a candidate for the new head coach of the South Korean national football team, a position that became vacant immediately following the team's elimination from the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

Aguirre previously coached Lee Kang-in at RCD Mallorca in Spain's La Liga and was the manager who led the Mexican national team to victory over South Korea in the recent World Cup.

Mexican media outlet SDP Noticias reported, "Aguirre, who has stepped down as the head coach of the Mexican national team, is already receiving offers for his next destination," adding, "It is known that the Korea Football Association plans to contact Aguirre's side within the next few days to confirm his interest in the South Korean national team coaching position."

Spanish media outlet AS also reported the same news, stating, "His past connection with Lee Kang-in at Mallorca in Spain could be an important factor in the negotiations."

The outlet added, "It is known that Aguirre has also received an offer from Saudi Arabia and is reportedly considering retirement from coaching."

Foreign media outlets have particularly focused on the deep connection between Aguirre and Lee Kang-in.

During their match in the second round of Group A held in Guadalajara, Mexico, last month, their close mentor-mentee relationship was clearly evident.

In a press conference after the match, Aguirre shared the atmosphere at the time, saying, "I love Lee Kang-in like family and have taken care of him for a long time," and "When he approached me on the pitch, I jokingly said, 'I want to smack you,' out of happiness."

Previously, reports emerged that several high-profile figures have applied for the national team coaching position, including Paulo Bento, who led the South Korean team in the previous Qatar World Cup; Gus Poyet, who led the K League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to both league and Korea Cup titles; and Roberto Martinez, who led the Portuguese national team but failed to advance past the round of 16 in this World Cup.

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