Choi only wants short-term role

New South Korean national team coach Choi Kang-Hee has promised his reign will be a short one.

Choi replaces Cho Kwang-Rae, who was fired in early December in the aftermath of the country’s 2-1 loss to Lebanon in World Cup qualifying.

Having just won the K-League title with Jeonbuk, Choi said it was hard to leave his former employers, and said he would hand over the reins of the national team as soon a World Cup qualifying was over in June 2013.

“It hurts to leave Jeonbuk,” Choi said. “I’m betraying the promise I made to Jeonbuk players and fans.”

“I asked that (the contract only runs until June 2013). What we need to do is qualify for the World Cup finals for the eighth time in a row.”

“My mission is to take the national team to the finals. After that, a foreign coach should take over the team. If the KFA does not accept this, I won’t sign the contract.”

In explaining his demand for a foreign coach to take over the team, Choi pointed to strife within the association.

The KFA has been criticised for their reactionary decision to fire Cho after the Lebanon loss, and with two months before South Korea’s final match against Kuwait, there was pressure to make a decision on his replacement.

“I’m not sure I can lead the team as I want,” Choi said. “There are too many difficulties outside of the field for a Korean coach. I think a foreign coach will be better for the national team.”