Bonfrere: “I want to do better than Hiddink.”

New Korea national soccer team coach Jo Bonfrere expressed his hopes for the future, saying, “I want to get better results (than former coach Guss Hiddink).”

“I studied a bit about the culture, the spirit and the food of Korea,” said Bonfrere, who is staying in Belgium, after expressing awkwardly the Korean greeting, “Annyunghasipnika.” The following is an interview with Bonfrere.

- When did you start to contact FIFA?

I cannot tell you the exact date. I had contacted Korean people who sat with former Coach Hiddink’s superior some time ago, and I signed a provisional contract last week. I haven’t met Hiddink recently.

- What are the conditions of the contract, such as your annual salary, etc?

I cannot reveal the specific amount. It is a similar amount to Hiddink’s.

- How will you lead the Korean team?

First of all, I’m glad to take charge of the Korean team. I will do my best and I will also expect a lot. I will work on specific strategies as I lead the players.

- How much do you know about Korea?

When I led the Nigerian Olympic team in 2000, we visited Korea and did an analysis of of the Korean Olympic team’s performance. I felt the Korean players had strong mental determination and followed their coach’s instructions very well.

- What is your favorite Korean food, or special memory?

I have a good memory of Korean food. I can remember red and hot Korean salad (Kimchi).

The KFA has issued an open invitation to Korean coaches to apply to help the new Korea national soccer team coach Jo Bonfrere. Candidates should submit the first-grade certificate of qualification of coach, a resume, an autobiography, and a recommendation (if it is a recommendation of the technical committee) to the KFA by Wednesday.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com