European media outlets reported that Jesse Marsh (51, USA), former head coach of Leeds United, is a strong candidate to be the next head coach of the Korean national soccer team.

Britain's Daily Mail reported on the 30th (Korean time), citing domestic media, that "Coach Marsh is being discussed as the head coach of the Korean national team, replacing former coach Jurgen Klinsmann."

The media explained, “(Coach Marsh) has a long-awaited opportunity to return to coaching after being sacked from Leeds United (last year),” and added, “Korea is not the only place that is interested in him.”

Jeong Hae-seong, chairman of the Korea Football Association's Power Strengthening Committee, announced earlier this month that a total of 11 candidates, including 4 Koreans and 7 foreigners, were selected as the next head coach.

In the case of foreign head coaches, non-face-to-face interviews were conducted first, and after determining priorities, it was confirmed that Chairman Jeong Hae-seong left for Europe and conducted interviews in person.

Korea's coach Klinsmann was suddenly dismissed after being eliminated by Jordan in the Asian Cup semifinals in January, taking responsibility for poor performance and team management. Afterwards, in March, Olympic team coach Hwang Seon-hong took over the baton temporarily, and the position of head coach is currently vacant.

Coach Marsh, who was mentioned in England, is considered one of the foreign candidates to lead the next Korean national team. Coach Marsh, from the United States, served as the head coach of Leipzig (Germany) after coaching the MLS New York Red Bulls, and served as the head coach of Salzburg (Austria) from 2019 to 2021. He especially attracted attention by winning the championship for two consecutive seasons during his time at Salzburg, and especially coached Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City) during this period. Afterwards, Coach Marsh took over the baton of Leeds in the English Premier League (EPL) in March 2022 and led the team to remain, but was dismissed in February 2023 due to poor performance. As of now, there is no affiliated team. The Daily Mail said, “The Korea Football Association and Coach Marsh are scheduled to hold another meeting this week. A final decision could be made soon.” The media then added, “Coach Marsh coached Hwang Hee-chan and has experience in the English Premier League and Bundesliga, so he knows other Korean players well.” However, there are variables. The Daily Mail said, “Korea is not the only country that is interested in Coach Marsh,” adding, “There are reports that Canada has contacted him for the currently vacant men’s national team coach position.” Meanwhile, on this day, KFA plans to hold a power strengthening committee meeting chaired by Chairman Jeong Hae-seong somewhere and proceed with the task of selecting candidates for the command post. KFA plans to confirm a new coach in early to mid-May.  섯다