Park Hang-seo to take command in 'India'

Park Hang-seo to take command in 'India'

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Former Vietnam national soccer team coach Park Hang-seo has reportedly been offered the job as head coach of the Indian national soccer team.

"Park is among the 214 candidates for the new head coach of the Indian national team," Indian media outlet The Times of India reported yesterday (Nov. 26), adding, "It is possible that the Indian Football Federation is fascinated by Park's achievements in Vietnam and will consider his application more closely."

Park's representatives did not deny that the Indian Football Federation had contacted him.

"Southwest Asia is a place that Korean coaches have not yet experienced, so I think it's a market where their capabilities can be highly appreciated," said Lee Dong-joon, 고스톱사이트 CEO of DJ Management, Park's agent.

India, currently ranked 121st in the FIFA rankings, failed to qualify for the third round after losing 2-1 to Qatar in the final match of the second qualifying round of the North and Central American World Cup.

India, who are hoping to break out of their 'soccer underdog' status, are pinning their hopes on the 'Park Hang-seo Magic'.

Park, who took over as Vietnam coach in October 2017, has brought soccer fever to the country, improving the team's FIFA ranking from 130th to as high as 92nd at one point.

His many accomplishments, including winning the AFF Suzuki Cup, winning the Southeast Asian Games, and qualifying for their first-ever World Cup final, have made him a national hero, earning him nicknames like "Rice Dink" and "National Papa.

In October 2022, Park finished his five-year stint with Vietnam, and since then, he has been taking a break to focus on youth development in Vietnam.

Park, who is currently in Vietnam, is said to be of the opinion that the Indian offer is worth considering. Park is expected to discuss with his agent soon and decide whether to apply for the head coach position.