FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong, who has been mentioned as a potential candidate to succeed Hong Myung-bo as the head coach of the South Korean national football team, has expressed his willingness to take on the challenge.

Following a victory in the first league match after the one-and-a-half-month break for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, Kim shared his determination during the post-match press conference, stating, "If the opportunity comes, I have the intention to take on the challenge."

The position of the South Korean national team head coach is currently vacant.

This follows the resignation of Hong Myung-bo, who led the team during the World Cup, after the squad was eliminated early and finished 34th, the worst performance in the nation's history.

As attention turns to who will fill the position, both current and former professional club managers are being discussed as potential candidates.

Naturally, questions regarding the matter were raised before and after the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 16 match between FC Seoul and Incheon United held today.

While Incheon manager Yoon Jung-hwan remained humble during the pre-match press conference, saying, "I don't think I am in a position to take on that role yet," manager Kim showed a different attitude.

Kim began cautiously, saying, "I don't think the national team head coach position is something you can just take because you want it. Even if you achieve results in the field, it is a place you might not be able to go."

He added, "However, I continue to work hard, thinking that if I achieve results in my given position, an opportunity might come someday."

Kim has been proving his leadership through results, recently leading the league standings.

In his third year under Kim's management, FC Seoul is drawing attention for a significantly improved performance compared to the past.

In the Gyeongin Derby against Incheon held at the Seoul World Cup Stadium today, the team secured a 1-0 victory, marking their third consecutive win.

With today's win, Seoul has reached 35 points (11 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), extending their lead over second-place Ulsan HD to 8 points and solidifying their top position.

"I have never been in first place for this long," Kim confessed. "Being in the position of looking down from the top actually makes me more nervous when preparing for matches."

He added, "But for the players, unlike me as the manager, it probably gives them more confidence and is a good thing. I think my role is to help the players maintain this momentum going forward."

(Photo courtesy of Korea Professional Football League, Yonhap News)