Former Korea coach Paulo Bento seeks national team return: report

Former Portugal national team coach Paulo Bento has reportedly shown renewed interest in returning to manage South Korea’s national football team, according to recent local media reports. This development comes as the Korea Football Association (KFA) continues its search for a new head coach following the resignation of Hong Myung-bo earlier this year. While the KFA has not officially confirmed Bento’s involvement, the speculation highlights ongoing discussions about potential candidates for the role. According to unconfirmed reports, Bento has expressed interest in the position through an intermediary connected to the KFA. A source close to the situation indicated that while no formal application has been submitted yet, there were indications that Bento might be considering a return to South Korea. These claims surfaced shortly after the KFA dismissed previous rumors suggesting that Bento had already applied for the job. The association emphasized that no official process for selecting a new coach had started, calling such reports “groundless.” This latest development follows the departure of Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down on June 28 after leading South Korea to an early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His resignation triggered a period of uncertainty within the KFA, prompting the formation of a National Teams Committee. This committee convened for its first meeting last week to address the restructuring of the national team management system and initiate the search for a new coach. The KFA remains tight-lipped about specific candidates being considered, though Bento’s name has frequently resurfaced in discussions over the past few years. Bento previously served as South Korea’s head coach from September 2018 until December 2022, making him one of the longest-serving coaches in the country’s history. During his tenure, he guided the team to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking a significant achievement for South Korean football. However, his time in charge ended when his contract expired, and he subsequently moved to coach the United Arab Emirates national team from July 2023 to May 2025. After leaving that position, Bento has remained away from coaching activities. Despite his successful stint with South Korea, Bento’s relationship with the KFA has not always been smooth. His tenure was marked by both progress and controversy, particularly regarding performance expectations and player selection. Nevertheless, his experience and track record remain points of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Some believe that his familiarity with the domestic league and international competition could make him a strong candidate should he decide to pursue the role again. The KFA has not ruled out the possibility of rehiring Bento, although no concrete steps have been taken toward that end. The organization has stressed that any decision will follow a structured process involving evaluations and consultations. With the upcoming World Cup qualifiers approaching, the need for a stable leadership figure is more pressing than ever. As the search continues, the focus remains on identifying a coach capable of steering South Korea back onto a winning trajectory. The situation reflects broader challenges facing South Korean football, which has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in major tournaments. The KFA’s efforts to find a suitable replacement underscore the importance of securing a coach who can instill confidence and deliver results. Whether Bento will ultimately be considered depends largely on how the KFA proceeds with its recruitment strategy. For now, the speculation surrounding his potential return remains just that—speculation—until further developments emerge.