South Korea sacks Jurgen Klinsmann after Asian Cup flop

By Dirk Godder, dpa I Friday, Feb. 16, 2024

 

SEOUL – German coach Jürgen Klinsmann has been dismissed as South Korea national football coach after failing to lead the team to a first Asian Cup title in 64 years.

Korean Football Association (KFA) president Chung Mong Gyu announced the exit of the 59-year-old German after one year on the job in Seoul on Friday.

 

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The announcement came the day after the KFA national team committee had recommended to part ways with Klinsmann, whose original contract was until the 2026 World Cup.

“After a comprehensive review of the recommendation, we have decided to replace the head coach of the national team,” Chung was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.

“When it comes to bringing out the best in the national team, managing players and his work habits, Klinsmann did not live up to our expectations of a national team head coach, nor did he demonstrate leadership.

“We decided that Klinsmann was unlikely to improve as head coach, in terms of his abilities and work ethic.”

Led by Tottenham captain Son Heung Min, South Korea went out in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup with a 2-0 defeat against outsiders Jordan last week in Qatar. South Korea have not won the continental tournament since 1960.

Former Germany and United States coach Klinsmann faced criticism from commentators and fans in South Korea after the team failed to register a shot on goal in the semi-final. There were also reports of team in-fighting.

In South Korea, fans later unfurled a large banner in front of the KFA headquarters demanding his dismissal.

Klinsmann had already been criticized in the country before the Asian Cup as he did not win any of his first five games after being appointerd 12 months ago.

The fact that he spent more time abroad than in South Korea was also not welcomed. Klinsmann resides in the United States.

Klinsmann thanked his players, his coaching team and the fans in South Korea on Instagram.

“Thank you so much for all your support taking us to the semi-final of the Asian Cup and an incredible journey over the past 12 months with not losing 13 games in a row before the semi-final,” he wrote.

It was Klinsmann’s third job as national team coach. He led Germany to third place at the 2006 World Cup before resigning after two years following the home tournament. He was in charge of the US team 2011-2016, winning the 2013 Gold Cup.

Klinsmann, who won the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996 as a player, has also coached Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin.

Chung said that the search for a successor would start immediately, with the next games two World Cup qualifiers against Thailand in late March.

South Korea, who as then co-hosts finished fourth in 2002, top their qualifying group after beating Singapore 5-0 and China 3-0 in autumn, then under Klinsmann.