SEOUL: The Korean Football Association (KFA) fired national team coach Juergen Klinsmann Friday (January 16) after their semi-final exit at the Asian Cup. The dismissal of the German coach was also triggered by harsh criticism from the public in the Ginseng country towards his leadership.
The AFP news agency reported that the National Team Committee, which serves as the KFA’s advisory body, recommended Klinsmann’s dismissal last Thursday. KFA Technical Director Hwangbo Kwan said there were “various reasons” why they doubted Klinsmann’s ability to lead the national team.
South Korea (South Korea) was eliminated after a surprising 2-0 defeat at the hands of Jordan. This defeat extended the Taeguk Warriors’ 64-year wait to win their third Asian Cup crown.
This embarrassing result sparked calls from fans and even some politicians to remove the 59-year-old coach.
KFA President Chung Mong-gyu said Klinsmann’s performance fell short of expectations.
“Coach Klinsmann failed to show the leadership we expect from a national team coach, including game management, player management and work ethic, which are necessary to enhance the national team’s competitiveness,” Chung told reporters.
Klinsmann’s popularity plummeted during the Asian Cup with many criticizing his attitude after he was seen smiling despite his team’s poor performance.
The leadership of the former German national team coach was also questioned after an argument between players the night before the semifinal match left captain Son Heung-min with a dislocated finger.
The Tottenham Hotspur striker played against Jordan with the middle and index fingers of his right hand wrapped in bandages.
Throughout his tenure, Klinsmann was also often criticized for refusing to live in South Korea by choosing to work in Los Angeles, where he currently lives. In fact, initially he had said he would spend more time in South Korea.
Ahead of Friday’s announcement, Klinsmann expressed his “sincere thanks” to his players, staff and fans in an Instagram post.
“Thank you very much for all your support which got us to the Asian Cup semi-finals and an incredible journey over the last 12 months unbeaten in 13 consecutive matches before the semi-finals,” he said.
Yonhap News TV reported Thursday that former national team player and coach Hong Myung-bo is one of the names being considered as caretaker coach for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Klinsmann is reportedly entitled to be paid the remainder of his contract until July 2026, which is estimated at 2.2 million US dollars per year.
“If South Korea is eliminated in the (Asian Cup) group stage, the KFA could fire him without having to pay the remainder of his contract,” Sports Chosun reported
A TOUGH BEGINNING
Klinsmann, who won the World Cup as a player in 1990 with West Germany, previously coached Germany, the United States and Bayern Munich.
He replaced Paulo Bento after the Portuguese coach resigned following the defeat to Brazil in the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Leading up to Klinsmann’s appointment last year, Korean media reported a lack of communication between members of the National Team Committee during the recruitment process.
The report was denied by committee head Michael Muller after the announcement of Klinsmann’s appointment. He said Klinsmann’s appointment came after committee members reached a “final agreement.”
Klinsmann’s journey with South Korea got off to a rocky start after going five games without a win, losing to Uruguay and Peru and being held by Colombia, El Salvador and Wales.
Form improved ahead of the Asian Cup with a run of six wins in a row and despite some poor play in Qatar, South Korea still managed to advance to the semi-finals. This result is better than the 2019 Asian Cup when South Korea was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
However, South Korea failed to record a single shot on target in the semifinal against Jordan, whose FIFA ranking is 64 positions lower.
