National soccer coach Pim Verbeek has announced his resignation from his post.

He made the announcement in a news conference Saturday evening after Korea won third place over Japan in the Asian Cup finals in Palembang, Indonesia.

The coach said he has officially requested that the Korea Football Association end his contract, which was to expire next year.

Verbeek said Korean soccer fans are very competitive and they always want the team to win, hinting at pressure from fans as one of the reasons for his resignation.

He said he is very proud of the overall performance of the team during the Asian Cup, adding most players are still young.

He also said the future of Korean soccer is bright and that he hopes the fans are also proud of the team.