Former Coach Takes Charge Following Jurgen Klinsmann's Dismissal; Faces Time Constraints in Search for Successor

Courtesy of Korea Football Association

The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced the appointment of former coach Chung Hae-sung as the new leader of the National Team Committee for the Korean men's football team. The decision was made during a meeting among senior executives on Tuesday.

Chung, 65, previously served as an assistant coach to Guus Hiddink during Korea's memorable run to the semifinals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He also worked as the top assistant to Huh Jung-moo during the 2010 World Cup, where Korea reached the round of 16. Chung has coaching experience in the domestic K League with Jeju United and Jeonnam Dragons. 

▲ New head of the National Team Committee at the Korea Football Association Chung Hae-sung / Courtesy of Korea Football AssociationReturning to the national team setup in 2017 as an assistant to Uli Stielike, Chung later held positions as the head of the KFA's Referees Committee and the Competitions Committee.

Chung replaces Michael Muller, who led the National Team Committee since January 2023 and oversaw the hiring of Jurgen Klinsmann. Klinsmann was dismissed last Friday after less than a year in charge due to Korea's disappointing semifinal exit from the AFC Asian Cup.

Chung faces time constraints in the search for Klinsmann's successor, with upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Thailand scheduled for March 21 in Seoul and March 26 in Bangkok. Chung has immediately named ten new members for his committee and is set to hold his inaugural meeting on Wednesday morning, followed by a press conference in the afternoon.

If a full-time coach is not secured in the coming weeks, the committee may consider appointing a caretaker manager for the March matches. Several names, including Hong Myung-bo and Kim Hak-bum, with prior national team experience are under contract with their K League clubs as the new K League 1 season kicks off on March 1.

Sayart

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com