Korea target Ghotbi keen to stay at Shimizu

GOAL – SEOUL, J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse announced on Thursday that manager Afshin Ghotbi will continue to hold his post for the 2012 season.

The news comes the morning after Ghotbi was rumoured to be a strong candidate for the newly-vacated manager position at the South Korea national team. Ghotbi would have replaced Cho Kwang-Rae, who confirmed his own firing on Thursday morning.

Ghotbi has previously managed the Iran national team as well as served as an assistant coach at South Korea, the K-League’s Suwon Bluewings, and Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. His S-Pulse side finished 10th in this year’s J-League competition, their worst finish since 2005.

While initial reports from Korean broadcaster KBS indicated that Ghotbi was eager to lead the Taeguk Warriors, in exclusive comments to Goal.com he expressed a desire to continue with S-Pulse.

“We played some wonderful football and stayed out of the relegation zone all year,” Ghotbi said.

“With a little more luck, we should have normally finished sixth or higher. The area we struggled most in was on top, as we did not have a true scorer.”

S-Pulse is reportedly looking to acquire Sagan Tosu striker Yohei Toyoda, who contributed to his team’s first-ever promotion to the top division with a J2-best 23 goals in 38 appearances.

“We will have a much better team, and I have a better feeling about of J-League,” Ghotbi continued. “So I expect a great year ahead next season!”