"I'm not going," Coach Yoon Jung-hwan waves off talk of taking the helm of the national team: "Thank you, but I am far from ready; this is not my place." [Sangam Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoon Jung-hwan (53), head coach of Incheon United, has clearly drawn a line regarding recent speculation about his potential appointment as the next manager of the South Korean national football team.

Incheon and FC Seoul are set to face each other at 7:30 p.m. on the 5th at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Round 16 of "Hana Bank K League 1 2026." This is the first match after the World Cup break and the second "Gyeong-In Derby" of the season.

Seoul leads the table with 32 points (10 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses), six points ahead of second-place Ulsan HD (26 points, 22 goals) and third-place Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (26 points, 21 goals). Incheon sits in sixth place with 21 points (6 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses).

Speaking to reporters before the match, Coach Yoon Jung-hwan said, "We did not go on a training camp; we trained only in Incheon. All injured players have returned, and we seem to be training in a positive atmosphere." He added, "Rather than focusing on specific areas, we refined our build-up play, how we would break down the opponent's defense, and the movements of our players with greater precision."

When asked about the first-half standings, he remarked, "If we look only at the first half, I could tell the players they did well. But this is not the end; from today onward, it begins again." He also noted, "Still, I believe you will be satisfied with how things went in the first half."

When asked about South Korea's recent elimination from the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers under former coach Hong Myung-bo, Coach Yoon Jung-hwan appeared somewhat burdened and replied with a smile, "How would you like me to respond..."

He continued, "It is disappointing. I watched our national team play, and the result was not what we hoped for. I also wondered whether this might affect the K League." He expressed concern, saying, "People's passion for football may fade, and such developments could indeed impact the K League."

He also shared his honest feelings about the coaches—both seniors and juniors—who have found themselves at the center of criticism after taking responsibility for failures. Coach Yoon said, "As a coach, it is painful and bitter. They tried their best, but the results did not turn out well. We always carry that burden. When things go well, people praise us endlessly; when they do not, we face downfall. We must endure it."

He added, "I believe no one can truly understand those feelings unless they have stood in that position themselves. Although I am a coach now, I think it would be somewhat difficult for me to fully grasp their emotions either." He offered words of comfort, saying, "Still, everyone worked hard. Whether players or staff, please convey my appreciation to all of them."

In particular, when asked about recent speculation naming him as a candidate for the next national team manager, he firmly stated, "No," before adding, "I am grateful that my name is being mentioned, but I still feel far from ready. Of course, I have always said becoming the national team coach was my dream, but I believe my current position does not yet allow me to reach that level."

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*This content was translated by AI.