Former Newcastle United and Sunderland boss keen on shock international management role amid Saudi interest

Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is reportedly keen on moving into international management by taking charge of South Korea.

The 63-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by West Bromwich Albion in October last year after a run of just one win in their first 13 games of the season left the Baggies languishing in the Championship relegation zone.  The role at the Hawthorns had been Bruce’s first after his two-year reign at Newcastle was brought to an end in October 2021 following a PIF-led takeover at St James Park.

The former Manchester United defender has been linked with a number of managerial vacancies in recent months - and is said to be in line to succeed Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann after he left his role as South Korea manager following their Asia Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Jordan.  A statement released by the KFA last week confirmed the decision, saying: For a number of reasons, we concluded that Klinsmann would no longer be able to show his leadership as head coach of the national team.  We will report our conclusion to the KFA.”  

That came after Klinsmann received fierce criticism from KFA chairman Chung Mong-gyu, who blasted the former Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich striker for ‘not living up to expectations’ and ‘not demonstrating leadership’ during his 12-month tenure.  Bruce is said to be one name under consideration to step into the role - although there are suggestions the former Magpies boss also has interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

A source close to Bruce has told The Mirror: “Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him.  He is high on the list of a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia as well so he is assessing his options and will be having conversations over the coming weeks. Steve is keen to get back into management and sees managing overseas as a good next step in his career."