'If Moreno Fails,' No Plan B for Asian Cup, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) Unable to Reveal Alternatives

*This content was translated by AI.

Hyun Young-min of the Korea Football Association Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman) evaluated Roberto Moreno (49, Spain) as "the ideal candidate who can bring substantial strength to the national team." However, when asked about a Plan B for the January 2025 AFC Asian Cup should Moreno's performance over the six matches he is scheduled to coach through November this year prove unsatisfactory, he offered no concrete answer.

On the 4th, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) introduced the process of appointing Coach Moreno via the official YouTube channel of the Korea Football Association. As Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman), Hyeon (Chairman) led the first-ever public recruitment process for an A-team head coach in history, personally traveled to Spain for face-to-face interviews with Coach Moreno and others, and oversaw the final selection procedures.

Regarding the background of this historic first public recruitment for an A-team head coach, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) stated, "Considering the situation of the Korea Football Association, we chose a method that clearly demonstrates procedural legitimacy as a way to regain at least some trust from the public." He added, "Accordingly, we opted for a public recruitment process in line with the National Team Selection and Operation Regulations of the Korean Sports Council."

He continued, "It is true that there were concerns about whether realistic constraints would arise in securing the best coach both internally and externally. In fact, during the actual selection process, we personally experienced difficulties within the football environment. For example, there was a case where a highly qualified head coach applicant was eliminated from consideration because the coaching staff member who applied alongside them did not meet the eligibility requirements."

After traveling directly to Spain and meeting with Coach Moreno and other members of the coaching staff, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) said, "We assessed their enthusiasm, attitude, and sincerity regarding the role of the South Korean national team head coach. Coach Moreno's team received very high marks in these aspects." He added, "They also gave us confidence that they could take charge of the team immediately, showing such great dedication that they were ready to begin work as soon as the contract was signed. I clearly remember their passion for elevating the Korean national team to a higher level."

However, Coach Moreno is an "interim commander" who will only lead six A-match games this year: four friendlies in September and October, and two more in November. His contract runs until November 27. Only if his performance is satisfactory can he continue to coach through the AFC Asian Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in January next year. Explaining why an interim head coach was appointed rather than a permanent one, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) mentioned the upcoming election for the next president, indicating that under the "new presidential administration," a permanent head coach should be appointed separately.

Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) stated, "Even within the Selection Committee, we thoroughly discussed the possibility of appointing a permanent head coach ahead of the Asian Cup." However, he added, "Discussions on improving Hyeon Jae (Chairman)'s election process are currently underway. Physically, the submission of the Asian Cup roster must be completed by the end of November. The contract with Coach Moreno's team, which allows him to take charge at the Asian Cup if he performs well in these six matches, reflects the realistic circumstances of the Korea Football Association."

The issue arises if Coach Moreno's team receives poor evaluations over the six matches. When asked about this scenario, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) responded, "We hope that under Coach Moreno's leadership, the team will perform well in the six matches and secure a path to the Asian Cup." He continued, "Coach Moreno is fully aware of the situation. His contract runs until November 27, and any extension for the Asian Cup depends on the Korea Football Association's judgment. We expect Coach Moreno's team to receive positive evaluations and lead the team through the Asian Cup."

Ultimately, when asked about what would happen if Coach Moreno's team received poor evaluations, Hyeon Yeong-min (Chairman) only expressed his hope that they would receive positive reviews and lead the team through the Asian Cup. As Jeon Ryeok-gang-hwa (Chairman), he spearheaded the appointment of Coach Moreno under the condition of "conditional command for the Asian Cup," yet ultimately provided no further explanation regarding subsequent scenarios should the Moreno regime fail.

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*This content was translated by AI.