South Korea coach quits

Coelho has failed to make an impact with South Korea

Humberto Coelho has stepped down as coach of South Korea after a disappointing spell in charge.

"I am very sorry that I could not finish my term," said the former Portugal coach.

"For a foreign coach, who cannot speak Korean, managing the national team is not an easy task."

Officials said they would look to appoint another foreign coach after Dutchman Guus Hiddink guided the nation to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

Coelho, who insisted he had not been fired, declined to elaborate on the reasons for his departure.

However, Coelho hinted he had not been given enough time to build the team and train his players.

A Korea Football Association (KFA) official said it hoped to name a new foreign coach by the end of May.

Assistant coach Park Sung-hwa was named as interim coach.

South Korean media have mentioned several possible replacements for Coelho, including former Senegal manager Bruno Metsu and ex-Turkey coach Senol Gunes.