Pim Verbeek Quits
Pim Verbeek
South Korea manager Pim Verbeek told reporters Saturday that he resigned prior to watching his team take third place at the Asian Cup with a 6-5 penalty shootout win over Japan in Palembang, Indonesia.
The news ended weeks of speculation that Verbeek would either step down or be sacked after the tournament. A transcript of his post-match press conference follows:
“I decided to resign. I asked the KFA this afternoon to terminate my contract. It’s time for me to find a new challenge.
I had two important targets. The first being winning the Asian Cup, which we didn’t. The second being qualifying for the Olympics.
I was disappointed that my four most talented players were ruled out of the (Asian Cup) due to injury, but I admit that I had plenty of other talented players to choose from and perhaps should have done better.
I have to be fair also and say we didn’t score enough. Defensively we were great, but to win at this tournament you have to score goals.
I lived a long time in Korea and they have great fans. I will leave with wonderful memories.
I really enjoyed the Asian Cup from start to finish. I’m not being sarcastic or cynical, I really enjoyed the tournament.
But now I need a long break so I can be ready for the next ten years (of coaching).
I plan to go back to Europe and take a holiday. I’ve lost my energy to be honest. It’s time to re-energize and find something new.”
Asked if he would consider coaching another Asian team, Verbeek responded:
“I will seriously consider any interesting option. I am open to everything. But in the next five months? No thank you.”
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