Local reports came out that former coach Chichi (61), who led Brazil and stopped Bentuho in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar, turned down the job as coach of the Korean national soccer team.



Brazil's TNT broadcast reported on the 21st (local time), citing local radio station Gaucha, that coach Chichi was offered to lead Korea until the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in North and Central America, but declined.



On the 18th, coach Chichi officially finished his companionship with the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) for about six and a half years and currently has no enemies.



A former manager of Brazil's most popular club, Corinthians, he took charge of his country's national team after Brazil were eliminated in the group stage of the 2016 Copa America.



At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Brazil failed to cross the threshold of the quarterfinals, but the Brazilian Football Association guaranteed Chichi's tenure until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.



After losing to Argentina in the Copa America finals in July 2021, 'Chichiho' cruised with an undefeated streak in 17 international matches (14 wins, 3 draws) until the second leg of the Qatar World Cup group stage.



In the 3rd match against Cameroon, where the main player was largely removed, he was caught 1-0, but in the round of 16, he defeated Bentoho 4-1 and boasted the first place in the FIFA rankings.



At the time, coach Chichi drew the attention of football fans around the world by performing a dance ceremony with the players in the 29th minute when Son Heung-min's teammate Hisharlisson (Tottenham) scored the third goal.



When criticism continued that he lacked respect for the opponent, he explained, "I was just happy that the goal was scored and the performance was good. I did not intend to disrespect coach Bento, whom I respect very much."



After Brazil were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Croatia in a penalty shoot-out, coach Chichi announced in a press conference that he was stepping down from his post.



At the time, he said, "It's a painful defeat, but I'm calm," and said, "One cycle is over."



After the resignation of former coach Paulo Bento, the Korea Football Association (KFA) is looking for a new head coach by setting up a National Team Power Reinforcement Committee headed by Michael Müller.



While the name of former Valencia (Spain) coach José Bordalas was mentioned as a candidate through Spanish media, the Korea Football Association said, "Considering the specificity of the manager appointment negotiations, all future processes will be conducted privately."



(Photo = Getty Image Korea)