February 15, (THEWILL) – The Korea Football Association’s (KFA) advisory committee, has recommended sacking national team head coach Juergen Klinsmann following South Korea’s disappointing Asian Cup campaign. The team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by Jordan, prompting criticism of Klinsmann’s leadership and calls for his dismissal from fans and politicians.
The National Team Committee submitted its recommendation to the KFA Executive Board, who will make the final decision on whether to terminate Klinsmann’s contract which runs through the 2026 World Cup. Klinsmann participated in Thursday’s review meeting, via video call from Los Angeles, where he currently resides.
The Technical Director, Hwang Bo-Kwan, said there was a conclusion that Klinsmann can no longer lead the team effectively and needs to be replaced for various reasons. Klinsmann’s popularity plummeted during the Asian Cup as fans criticised his smiling demeanour even when the team was underperforming.
There has also been ongoing dissatisfaction with the German spending minimal time coaching in South Korea despite stating he would be based there. Hwang added that some saw Klinsmann’s attitude and lack of time dedicated as disrespectful.
The former star player took charge of South Korea last year, after Paulo Bento left following the team’s World Cup round of 16 defeat. Klinsmann’s tenure began poorly with no wins in his first 5 games but results improved leading into the Asian Cup. In Qatar, South Korea reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2019 but produced a lifeless display in the 2-0 loss to Jordan.
The surprise defeat ended South Korea’s hopes of claiming a first Asian Cup title since 1960. At 59 years old, Klinsmann has previously managed Germany and the USA as well as club side Bayern Munich. He captained West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 and scored over 40 goals for his country.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
