Klinsmann sacked by South Korea following Asian Cup disappointment

On Friday, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced the termination of national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann's contract. This decision was made following their elimination in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and amidst growing criticism regarding his leadership abilities.

The National Team Committee, an advisory body of the Korea Football Association (KFA), recommended the dismissal of Klinsmann on Thursday. Hwangbo Kwan, the KFA Technical Director, expressed doubts about Klinsmann's ability to lead the team effectively, citing "various reasons."

South Korea's elimination from the Asian Cup after a 2-0 loss to Jordan in the semi-finals has sparked calls from fans and some politicians for Klinsmann's removal. The defeat extended South Korea's 64-year wait for a third title.

KFA President Chung Mong-gyu stated that Klinsmann's tenure did not meet expectations. Chung highlighted Klinsmann's failure to demonstrate leadership qualities expected from a national team coach, including game management, player management, and work attitude, which are crucial for enhancing the team's competitiveness.

Klinsmann's popularity in Korea declined during the Asian Cup, as many criticized his demeanor, particularly his smiling despite the team's poor performances.

Furthermore, Klinsmann's leadership came under scrutiny after an incident between players before the semi-final match, which resulted in captain Son Heung-min dislocating his finger. Son played against Jordan with his index and middle fingers strapped together.

Throughout his time with South Korea, Klinsmann faced criticism for primarily working in Los Angeles, where he currently resides, despite his initial commitment to spending time in South Korea.

Prior to the official announcement on Friday, Klinsmann expressed his gratitude to his players, staff, and fans in an Instagram post. He thanked them for their support, acknowledging the team's journey to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and their unbeaten streak of 13 games leading up to that stage.

According to Yonhap News TV, ex-South Korean international Hong Myung-bo is among the candidates being considered to temporarily lead the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Klinsmann, a former player who won the World Cup with West Germany in 1990, has previously coached Germany, the United States, and Bayern Munich.

He took over as the coach of South Korea last year, replacing Paulo Bento after the Portuguese manager resigned following their defeat to Brazil in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup.

Before Klinsmann's appointment, there were reports in the Korean media about a lack of communication within the National Team Committee during the hiring process.

However, these reports were denied by the committee's chairman, Michael Muller, after Klinsmann's appointment was announced. Muller stated that the German coach was hired after the committee members reached a "final agreement".

Klinsmann's tenure with South Korea started off on a difficult note, as they went five games without a win, losing to Uruguay and Peru, and drawing against Colombia, El Salvador, and Wales.

Their performance improved leading up to the Asian Cup, with a streak of six consecutive victories. Despite some underwhelming displays in Qatar, they managed to reach the semi-finals, which was an improvement from the 2019 tournament where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

However, in the semi-final match against Jordan, who are ranked 64 places below them in the FIFA rankings, South Korea failed to register a single shot on target.