'Missed Out on Interim Coach' Gus Poyet, Unable to Apply for South Korea's Official Head Coach Role... 'Love Calls' from Algeria, Poland, and More

*This content was translated by AI.

Former Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors manager Gus Poyet of Uruguay, who applied for the interim head coach position of the South Korean national football team but was eliminated during the document screening phase, is reportedly being linked with other national teams abroad one after another. If Manager Poyet secures a new destination, he will no longer be eligible to apply for the official head coach position of the South Korean national team, which is scheduled to open in November.

On the 19th (Korean time), Bellile Mnyandu, a reporter for South African media SABC Sports, quoted French outlet Onze Mondial as saying, "It has been reported that Manager Poyet is in negotiations with the Algerian Football Federation over the Algeria national team head coach position, and Poland is also showing interest. He is also being mentioned as a candidate for the South Africa national team."

On the same day, Algerian media DB Foot exclusively reported that "Manager Poyet is negotiating with the Algerian Football Federation," adding, "He has received contact from both Poland and South Africa, but his top priority is the Algeria national team head coach position."

Coincidentally, news of Manager Poyet receiving notification of 'elimination during document screening' from the Korea Football Association was followed immediately by a wave of 'love calls' from other national teams in need of a new head coach.

According to football circles, Manager Poyet applied for the open recruitment for the interim coach position to lead four consecutive A-match games in September and October and two consecutive A-match games in November, but was eliminated during document screening without even receiving an interview opportunity. Manager Poyet, who led Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to a K League 1 and Korea Cup double (a double crown) last season, had been considered the most likely interim coach candidate and was known to be highly proactive, making this result unexpected.

It is reported that a significant factor behind Manager Poyet's elimination during document screening was the inclusion of Lee Dong-gook, current Yongin FC Technical Director and former national team player, as part of his coaching staff application. The document evaluation process scored not only the head coach but also the resumes of coaches who applied together in a 'staff' format, summing up their scores individually. Since this coach is a Gyeong Ryeok-i (EVP) manager, it is analyzed that this naturally had a negative impact on the overall score of Manager Poyet's entire staff application.

As a result, following his failed appointment last year when he was overshadowed by manager Hong Myung-bo, Manager Poyet has now missed out on leading the South Korean national team twice in a row—first by failing to secure the position and second by being eliminated during open recruitment document screening. Instead, however, numerous 'love calls' are pouring in for Manager Poyet, making it highly likely that he will soon find a new destination.

If Manager Poyet signs a contract with a new team, his connection with the South Korean national football team will effectively come to an end. The Korea Football Association plans to operate the A-national team under an interim coach system until November, after which it intends to appoint a new official head coach in conjunction with the inauguration of a new football association president. Of course, it remains uncertain whether Manager Poyet, who has already been rejected by the Korea Football Association twice, will apply again for the official head coach recruitment; however, if he is leading another national team at the time of hiring the South Korean official head coach, applying itself would become impossible. This would also mark the end of his ties with Korean football.

The Korea Football Association will conduct online interviews this week for approximately five foreign coach candidates who passed the document screening phase, determine final priorities, and proceed to contract negotiations. The interim coach will lead a total of six matches: four consecutive A-match games in September and October starting with Ecuador on September 24, followed by Uruguay on the 28th, Venezuela on October 2, and Uzbekistan on the 6th, as well as two consecutive A-match games in November, before stepping down.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.