Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alyallen]

And the coach carousel continues to spin aimlessly....So Iraq's coach (The Asian Cup Champions) quit after the championship game and Verbeek might take his job while Korea's already got someone in the wings.... Talk about drama!

Verbeek quits as South Korea coach with Vieira in the wings

Sun Jul 29, 2:03 AM ET

JAKARTA (AFP) - Coach Pim Verbeek has quit his job following South Korea's third-place finish at the Asian Cup, saying he needs a new challenge.

The Koreans edged Japan 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the two East Asian giants were scoreless after extra-time in the play-off match in Palembang, Indonesia, on Saturday.

South Korea played with 10 men for the last hour of regulation time and extra time after defender Kang Ming-soo was dismissed for a second yellow card.

"I have decided to resign," Verbeek said. "I have asked the KFA (Korean Football Association) before Saturday's match to terminate my contract which was for 2008 and they agreed with that. It's time for a new challenge."

Verbeek has been with South Korea for six years after serving as an assistant coach at the last two World Cups with compatriots Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat.

"I've had enough time in Korea and I have great memories in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals in addition to the Asian Games in Doha and this year's Asian Cup," he said.

"I will leave Korea with great memories but it's time now for a new challenge.

"In general, we had great moments here in the Asian Cup and I will not forget this tournament. It was a great experience and I really enjoyed it."

Verbeek said he will take a long break before returning to coaching and indicated he might accept a suitable offer from an Asian team.

He is likely to be replaced by Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira, who has said he will stand down after his team's Asian Cup final with Saudi Arabia here on Sunday.

"Yes, I will quit after the match against Saudi Arabia," Vieira told AFP Saturday, revealing that he was in talks with the KFA.

"The Korean federation contacted me," he said. "If we can work out terms there is the potential that I can become the Korean coach sometime in the future. After the tournament we will discuss details."