GUS POYET has stunned Korean football by walking away from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors just one year after dragging the fallen giants back to the top.
The 58-year-old Uruguayan boss, who made his name in the Premier League as both player and manager, delivered two trophies in his debut season, winning the 2025 K League 1 title and the Korea Cup.
Not bad for a club that was languishing in 10th only a year ago.
But despite the silverware, Poyet is heading for the exit.
A club insider told local media: “Coach Poyet, who made history with a league and cup double, is stepping down after a short but intense season.”
Rumblings of a split emerged at the K League Awards on December 1, when Poyet hinted he might quit after his long-time assistant, Mauricio Taricco, was hit with a five-game ban and a hefty fine following a touchline flashpoint last month. Taricco later resigned.
Poyet, fiercely loyal to his backroom team was fuming, saying: “Touching my coaching staff is the same as touching me.”
The club source added that Taricco’s departure left Poyet under “psychological pressure”, worrying the fractured staff setup would undermine leadership going forward.
Poyet is a man who works very closely with his team, relies on them for local support and ideas sharing.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Jeonbuk tried to persuade him to stay with promises of next-season plans and support for Taricco but Poyet stood firm and asked to terminate his deal.
Poyet is expected to fly back to the UK soon.
In a message to fans, he said: “I’m sorry to leave without properly saying goodbye.
“The passion of our supporters will stay in my heart. I’ll keep cheering for Jeonbuk from afar and hope to return to Korea one day.”
