Ahn Jung-hwan, a former national soccer team player turned broadcaster, appeared on a variety show and explained why, despite having a coaching license, he is declining soccer head coaching jobs.
On the 15th, on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," Ahn Jung-hwan said he recently took on the role of overall director at the Korea Football Association and shared what he has been up to.
He said, "I'm forming a university players' team and, if domestic play doesn't work out, we'll travel to compete in Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe. I started this because I want to give them even one more chance to get a job through soccer."
On the specific background, he explained, "When students graduate, there aren't many professional soccer teams, so it's difficult to find a pathway into the pro league. That's why too many students quit along the way."
Ahn Jung-hwan also explained why he is not taking a soccer head coaching job even though he holds a P-level coaching license that qualifies him to manage the national team.
Ahn Jung-hwan said, "Because I have the license, I could manage the national team. I could do it in another country as well," adding, "When the season ends at a pro team or it's time for a coaching change, I do get calls, but I've been declining, saying, 'I'm sorry.'"
On the Iyoo for turning down head coaching jobs, he said, "I'm not ready yet, and if I go that route, I have to stake my life on it. It would mean giving up everything that's mine," adding, "In that position, even small mistakes aren't tolerated."
He continued, "One misstep and you're finished," adding, "Whether you're a master or a rookie, if you lose three games, you're cut. So I have my doubts."
Regarding the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America to be held this year, he said, "This time there are 48 countries. It's my first time too, so it's hard to gauge," while adding, "Personally, I hope we play about five matches."
Lastly, he added, "We have players Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Minjae. Just because we have these players doesn't mean we will necessarily get good results. It's about the team," and "Right now, interest has dropped a lot, and if the results aren't good, it won't be too late to criticize then. For now, the only path is to support them."