Hong Myung-Bo resigns as South Korea coach after World Cup exit

Summary

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-Bo has resigned, a day after the team's early elimination from the World Cup and following heavy criticism from the country's president, according to ESPN.

The Details

ESPN reports that Hong Myung-Bo submitted his resignation on Sunday, just hours after South Korea were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage. The decision comes amid intense scrutiny, with South Korea's president publicly criticising the team's performance and tactics.

Hong, a former South Korea captain who led the team to a fourth-place finish in 2002 as a player, took over as head coach in 2023. Under his guidance, the team struggled to find form in the tournament, failing to advance beyond the group phase.

The president's remarks added to the pressure on Hong, who had already faced questions about his tactical approach and squad selection. The early exit marked a disappointing end to a campaign that had raised hopes after a strong qualifying run.

What It Means

Hong's resignation leaves South Korea searching for a new head coach ahead of upcoming international fixtures. The Korean Football Association (KFA) will now begin the process of identifying a replacement, with the aim of rebuilding the team for future competitions.

The episode highlights the intense scrutiny faced by national team coaches in South Korea, where football is the most popular sport and expectations are high. The president's direct involvement in criticising the team is unusual and underscores the level of disappointment at the early exit.

For Hong, his tenure ends on a sour note, but he remains a respected figure in Korean football. His resignation may pave the way for a fresh start, but the KFA will need to act swiftly to stabilise the team and restore confidence among fans and players alike.

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Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.