Posted December. 22, 2002 22:45,
Who would lead the Korean national soccer team in the future?
Two candidates will be announced on December 23. One of them will take the helm of the Korean national soccer team, which had been led by Guus Hiddink. Under his command, the Korean team made a history of advancing to the semifinal in the last World Cup.
Cho Joong-yon, a senior member of Korean Federation of Soccer said, "We have reviewed several coaches so far. Now, we have narrowed the list down to 2 candidates. The list will be announced tomorrow."
Gah Sam-hyun, a KFS official who is in charge of international affairs, has reportedly contacted each of them and obtained their approvals.
Experts predict that the job would to one of the following: former Italy`s coach Sacchi (56), former Portugal`s Koyeno (52), former Senegal`s coach Bruno Metsu (48) and former France`s coach Roser Lemerre (61).
Sacchi led the Italian World Cup team to the final in the 94 World Cup in the United States. Thereafter, he coached the prestigious AC Milan.
Koyeno played with renowned Portugal clubs and a French club. Then, after turning himself into a coach, he led the Portugal national team to the semifinal in the 2000 European Championship.
Metsu, a French national, is the person who made a miraculous victory of Senegal over the French national team in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup.
After France failed to advance to the semifinal in the 2002 World Cup, Lemerre resigned and now coaches Tunisia. That is why it is not sure whether he could take the helm, if selected.
Other than them, two other former national coaches of Italy and Portugal are being considered.
The KFS will appoint a new coach by the end of January. The new coach will enter Korea early March, and will lead the Korean team in the A-match against Columbia scheduled for March 29, 2003.