Gus Poyet has officially joined Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as their new head coach. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEONJU, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — Gus Poyet, a veteran football manager with experience in England’s Premier League and Spain’s La Liga, has officially joined Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as their new head coach. The 57-year-old described his arrival in South Korea as “destiny” during his inaugural press conference at Jeonju World Cup Stadium on Monday.
“I sometimes believe in destiny,” Poyet said, reflecting on his appointment. “Everything happens for a reason. I am happy to be here and ready to work hard.”
Poyet had previously been shortlisted for the South Korean national team coaching job but was not selected. Less than six months later, he finds himself leading Jeonbuk, one of the K League’s most storied clubs, though one that endured a dismal 2024 season, finishing 10th in the league and narrowly avoiding relegation.
A Fresh Start for a Fallen Giant
Jeonbuk, a nine-time K League champion, appointed Poyet after parting ways with Kim Doo-hyun earlier this year. The club aims to rebuild and return to championship contention under Poyet’s leadership. The Uruguayan manager is known for his offensive coaching philosophy and his ability to handle high-pressure environments, having managed teams like Sunderland, Real Betis, and Bordeaux.
Despite high expectations, Poyet tempered immediate hopes for a league title, emphasizing the need for steady progress. “Our goal is to dramatically improve the standings next year,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to be done, and we need to be realistic about what we can achieve.”
A Focus on Attack and Team Dynamics
Poyet stressed his commitment to delivering an “attacking style of football” but acknowledged that the first step would be understanding the team and building cohesion during the winter training camp. “It’s important to learn and adapt together,” he said. “Only then can we create effective tactics and training regimens.”
While fans eagerly anticipate a turnaround, Poyet remained cautious about setting specific targets. “I’ll have a clearer sense of our objectives by June,” he noted. “Of course, winning would be ideal, but the immediate priority is growth and development.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Poyet’s arrival comes as Jeonbuk looks to overcome structural challenges and recapture its dominance in the K League. The club’s fanbase, disheartened by recent poor performances, is hopeful that Poyet can restore its legacy.
“Jeonbuk must win,” Poyet said. “I want the fans to enjoy coming to the stadium again. Together, we’ll create a new chapter in the club’s history.”
With his experience and vision, Poyet’s tenure represents a pivotal moment for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as they aim to rebuild and reclaim their place at the top of Korean football.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
