Coach Bento's '4-Year Journey with Korean Football' Ends: "Will Not Renew Contract" (Summary)

"Already Decided in September... Korean Players, the Best Among Those I've Played With"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Paulo Bento, the head coach who led the South Korean national football team to the Round of 16, has expressed his intention not to renew his contract as the South Korean coach.

Coach Bento stated at a press conference held after the 1-4 loss to Brazil in the 2022 Qatar World Cup Round of 16 match on the 6th (Korean time), "I have decided not to renew my contract as the South Korean coach."

Bento said, "I have informed the players and the president of the Korea Football Association of my decision," adding, "The decision was already made last September."

With this, Bento's "four-year journey" with South Korean football comes to an end with the team's advancement to the Round of 16 in the Qatar World Cup.

Bento was appointed as the head coach of the South Korean national team on August 28, 2018, after the 2018 Russia World Cup. Leading the team for over four years, he achieved the milestone of qualifying for the World Cup finals for the 10th consecutive time, and in this tournament's group stage, he secured 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, accomplishing the historic feat of reaching the Round of 16 in an away World Cup for the second time ever.

Bento explained, "Now is the time to think about the future," adding, "I plan to rest and recharge for a while, and then decide on my future course."

He emphasized, "I am grateful for what our players have achieved. I am very proud to have been able to lead the South Korean national team during this time."