Former Korea national football team coach Paulo Bento, who guided the country to the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has expressed interest in returning to the vacant managerial position, according to people familiar with the matter. With the Korea Football Association (KFA) still in the midst of leadership uncertainty following the resignation of its former president, attention is already turning to the search for the national team's next coach. According to the football community and the KFA on Tuesday, Bento recently conveyed his interest in taking charge of the national team through a KFA official who had previously worked with him during his tenure. He has not, however, formally submitted an application to the KFA's National Team Strengthening Committee, which is responsible for recommending candidates for the head coach position. A football official said Bento is also open to serving as interim coach, as Korea is expected to appoint a temporary manager ahead of its September A matches. The KFA held the first meeting of its National Team Strengthening Committee on Friday and