Japanese Media: "Former Jeonbuk Manager Gus Poyet Considered Strongest Candidate for Interim South Korea Coach"

A Japanese media outlet has reported that Gus Poyet, the 58-year-old Uruguayan former manager of K League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai, is being discussed as the interim head coach for the South Korean national football team.

Japanese sports outlet Sponichi reported today (August 11), citing multiple sources, that "Poyet, who managed South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai until last season, is the leading candidate to become the new head coach of the South Korean national team, and his appointment is seen as almost certain."

The outlet projected that Poyet would serve as interim coach for six national team friendly matches (A-matches) scheduled from this coming September to November.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) recently announced an open recruitment process for an interim head coach on its official website.

The plan is to play the six A-matches held from September to November under an interim coaching staff while simultaneously launching an open recruitment process to select the next permanent manager.

Applications for the interim coach open recruitment closed this past Sunday, and Poyet told SBS, "I have submitted my application and am waiting for the KFA's decision."

The KFA plans to appoint some members of the National Team Strengthening Committee and external members to form an evaluation committee within this week, followed by video interviews next week.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.