JEONJU: Gus Poyet, the newly appointed head coach of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, expressed his intention to "restore a little bit of pride" in the club following a disappointing 2024 season. The nine-time South Korean football champions struggled significantly last year, finishing just above the relegation zone in the K League 1 standings.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Poyet, 57, was appointed as Jeonbuk's head coach on Christmas Eve. His recent tenure includes managing the Greece men's national team from 2022 to 2024. Earlier this year, Poyet was considered for the South Korean men's national team coaching role. His previous coaching career spans several countries, including stints at Sunderland in the English Premier League, AEK Athens in Greece, and Real Betis in Spain, among others.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors experienced one of their worst performances in the K League 1, finishing 10th out of 12 teams with 42 points, narrowly avoiding relegation. They faced a promotion-relegation playoff against Seoul E-Land FC but managed to secure their spot in the top division with a 4-2 aggregate victory. Poyet aims to rejuvenate the team, emphasizing a fresh start and learning from past challenges.
Poyet described his decision to join Jeonbuk as straightforward, citing an "instant connection" with the club's officials during initial negotiations. He is accompanied by his long-time assistant Mauricio Taricco and his son, Diego, who will also be part of the coaching staff. Poyet stressed the importance of teamwork, using "we" instead of "I" when discussing his strategic plans for the upcoming season.
The Uruguayan coach aims to implement an offensive style of play, focusing on enjoyment and aggression without neglecting defensive responsibilities. Poyet also emphasized understanding each player's strengths to maximize their performance.
While Poyet remains cautious about labeling the 2025 season as a "champion or bust" campaign, he is committed to improving the team's standing and aspires to compete for titles in the near future. As part of his preparation, Poyet plans to familiarize himself with the players during an upcoming training camp in Thailand.
Reflecting on his journey to South Korea, Poyet acknowledged the twists of fate, expressing optimism and determination to succeed in his new role.