Foreign Coach vs. Korean Coach: The Football Association's Choice
Baek Ho-dol, who had taken responsibility as interim coach, made a graceful exit.
Among the portal news articles, his final interview stood out.
What a classy guy right to the end.
He left with one last bone-chilling remark.
But the public dismissed even this as the lone wolf coach's excuse.
The British powerhouse media BBCC ran an article on my transfer rumors.
Once Liverpool and Man City putting in confirmed real offers for me got out, my market value started skyrocketing. The British heavyweight BBCC slapped a £35 million price tag on me—over 67 billion won. I was shocked by the sudden jump, but it was probably thanks to my A-match heroics.
That's how big clubs scout talent—they drool over it and watch. Soon, this article got translated and spread in Korea, burying all the controversy articles.
I checked the real-time search rankings on a Korean portal site.
Just minutes ago, spots held by Mo Chanhee interview and Ryu Rion personality were now flooded with Ryu Rion 60 billion, BBCC Ryu Rion rave reviews, and the like.
The credibility of British heavyweight BBCC. The authority of £35 million. A player who dives in like a dog and gives his all, with class to match. Europe recognized him.
The most selfless dedication perfectly proven by the most selfish logic of capital. I said I'd prove it with skill, and Europe certified that skill with money.
No more tactical or economic rebuttal than this.
I smirked cynically at the 50 Million Bandwagon Fans now boiling over into outright worship.
After firing Coach Jürgen, the association started hunting for a new coach and bought time by appointing Baek Ho-dol as interim.
While the Power Reinforcement Committee pulled all-nighters to narrow down foreign coach candidates, Association President Kim Myeonggyu leaned back on the sofa, suppressing his rage.
"What the hell was the problem with Coach Marsh negotiations? Director Lee Cheol-woo, the Power Reinforcement report had him as top priority, right?"
Kim Myeonggyu asked in a low, gravelly voice. Director Lee Cheol-woo cautiously opened his mouth.
"President, Coach Marsh scored top marks in tactical plans and coaching style. The issue was... the overall package, including salary."
"Salary? We were ready to match it! Not quite Jürgen level, but top-tier, right?"
"We got close on total salary early on. But considering what Coach Marsh demands and our domestic income tax rates, the net amount he takes home fell short of expectations."
Director Lee wiped sweat as he continued.
"In short, big gaps in the full package of salary and tax burden. Plus, our must-have for preventing another Jürgen fiasco—mandatory domestic residency—delayed things further."
Kim Myeonggyu let out a deep sigh, tilting his head back.
"That bastard Marsh—does he even want to negotiate or not?"
"After the final deadline, his side replied they'd pass due to residency and tax issues. We couldn't bridge the admin and financial gaps."
"Ha..."
A few days later, Jesse Marsch's whereabouts surfaced. Director Lee said,
"President, the top pick from Power Reinforcement, Jesse Marsch... He's gone to the Canada national team."
Kim Myeonggyu furrowed his brow and sat up.
"...Money in the end, huh."
"..."
"Fine, Marsch is gone. Next? Renaud, right? Renaud. We know him well, fans like him too."
Lee adjusted his tie with a troubled look.
"We approached Coach Renaud too... but timing's the issue."
"Timing? What timing?"
"He's coaching the France women's team now. He's interested in Korea, but says he'll finish the Paris Olympics in August first."
"August? Director Lee. September's World Cup qualifiers right around the corner. Run qualifiers without a coach again? He arrives post-Olympics, sizes up the team, unpacks—it's September. Too risky."
"Committee members worried about that too, so we shelved Renaud. We need someone who can take over now."
Kim Myeonggyu slammed the table in frustration.
"Then who's left? Casas? That guy's got contract mess with Iraq."
"Power Reinforcement's final shortlist: Wagner, Dessie Pers, and domestic coach Yoon Seungwoo."
Kim Myeonggyu stared blankly out the window.
"Damn... That's all that's left? Proceed with foreign for now."
Tension hung thick in the office. Right after the Power Reinforcement Committee meeting, Chairman Seo Taeyoung met President Kim Myeonggyu for the final candidate report.
Kim Myeonggyu scanned the three finalists—Dessie Pers, David Wagner, Yoon Seungwoo—and frowned.
"Chairman Seo. You did video interviews with the foreigners. But our Korean coach is top priority?"
Seo replied firmly.
"Yes, President. Foreign top picks Marsh and Renaud flopped. Remaining candidates have unclear tactics or doubts on team control. Time's short. September qualifiers imminent. Committee concludes Yoon Seungwoo—who knows domestic scene and can seize the team immediately—is the most realistic top pick."
Kim Myeonggyu's ideal of a foreign coach crumbled in his mind. Practical limits, tight budget, pressing timeline.
"Director Lee, be straight. Bring in these leftovers—will public opinion settle? No 'Cheap pick again?' or 'Weak resume' backlash? Confident?"
"Honestly... risks. Fans expect Marsh/Renaud level; these are a tier down. Negotiate, entry, visas—September prep time slashed."
Kim Myeonggyu's eyes wavered. He feared it. The backlash from another botched foreigner. Maybe someone who communicates, masters the system fast? Picking Korean clashed with his ideals; foreigners with name all backed off or stalled on time. Question if they even wanted the Korean gig. Left with no-name foreigners or Korean Yoon Seungwoo. Kim Myeonggyu, pathologically averse to picking Korean out of slavish admiration for outsiders.