The Korea Football Association (KFA) have started their search for Huh Jung-moo's successor as national team coach.
Huh confirmed last week that he was stepping down from the position after leading South Korea to the second round at the World Cup, and that success has created a mood among technical committee members that, if possible, another domestic coach is desirable.
"We won't categorise our candidates and exclude candidates from abroad, but we have many excellent managers in Korea," said Lee Hoi-taek, the chairman of the committee.
Huh's assistant Jung Hae-sung is one of the favourites to take the reins and lead the Taeguk Warriors to the 2011 Asian Cup in January.
"It's only natural for Jung to succeed Huh as the manager of the national team," said Cho Young-jeung, a committee member. "He is not under any obligations at this point and knows the players well."
The former Jeju United coach has stayed tight-lipped on the possibility of taking the job.
"I have never considered the position to be honest with you," Jung said. "How could I consider the position when I've never been offered the job? I have yet to be contacted by the KFA or anyone else about managing the national football team."
Other names mentioned in the Korean media are Gyeongnam FC coach Cho Kwang-rae, Choi Kang-hee of Jeonbuk Motors and Kim Hak-beom, formerly of Seongnam Ilhwa.
Source: PA
