Hong Myung-bo Criticizes Football Association for Not Finding a Coach: "Have You Not Learned?"

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of K League 1 Ulsan HD, criticized the Korea Football Association's administration for not yet appointing a new head coach for the national team since the dismissal of former coach J?rgen Klinsmann in February.

On the 30th, Coach Hong expressed this view during a press meeting at Pohang Steel Yard, where the 20th round away match of the Hana Bank K League 1 2024 against Pohang Steelers was held. He continued his harsh remarks by referring to the sudden resignation of Jeong Hae-seong, chairman of the national team reinforcement committee, on the 28th.

Coach Hong began by saying, "At this point, the chairman in charge resigning means something must have happened." He added, "When I worked as an executive director, Kim Pan-gon was the chairman, and he had full responsibility and authority. Therefore, if we thought someone was suitable for Korean football, we could select them regardless of nationality, and that is how Coach Bento was appointed."

He continued, "Considering the process until Coach Klinsmann was appointed and what happened afterward, I want to ask how much the Korea Football Association has actually learned. I think no one in the association supported Chairman Jeong Hae-seong, and it seems he was left isolated."

Hong Myung-bo Ulsan HD Coach
Photo by Yonhap News

Coach Hong emphasized that while the chairman or coach who takes the forefront bears criticism, the role of senior officials in the association is crucial to achieving results.

He said, "Looking inside the football association, the chairman positions are held by experts. The disciplinary committee chairman is a legal professional, the medical committee chairman is a medical expert, and the administrative staff of the association should assist these people. If senior administrative staff do not help, nothing will get done," he stated.

Meanwhile, Coach Hong has been frequently mentioned as a leading domestic candidate for the head coach position since the dismissal of former coach Klinsmann.

Coach Hong said, "I heard through the media that I was the number one candidate for the national team coach. If that is the case, it means the 'boundary' for the national team coach has been set," expressing his refusal. He meant that they should look for a coach better than him by using him as a 'boundary.'

He added, "If our association brings in someone with more experience, career, and achievements than me, naturally my name will not come up. My position has always been the same, so fans do not need to worry about that," he said.