“It’s not getting any better”
South Korea’s football boss settles accounts with Klinsmann
February 16, 2024, 6:10 p.m
Jürgen Klinsmann was actually supposed to lead South Korea’s footballers to the 2026 World Cup, but now the German coach no longer has to pack his bags. Association boss Chung Mong-Gyu finds clear words as to why Klinsmann was thrown out prematurely.
Jürgen Klinsmann had long since returned to his Californian homeland when the South Korean bosses, almost 10,000 kilometers away, took a tough stance against him. The former national coach lacked the “necessary leadership qualities” in areas such as tactics and personnel management, and Klinsmann’s attitude “fell short of expectations”. And in general, the association agreed, added President Chung Mong-Gyu in Seoul, “that this would not get better in the future.”
After less than a year, Klinsmann’s mission with the South Koreans ended prematurely. The separation from the national coach, which the KFA football association announced in remarkably sharp tones after a “comprehensive analysis”, is the result of the failure at the Asian Cup. The title favorite was eliminated in the semifinals against surprise team Jordan in Qatar. Klinsmann’s contract originally ran up to and including the 2026 World Cup.
It was “an incredible journey,” said Klinsmann, who sent a message to his players, coaching staff and fans on social media: “Thank you for your support, which got us to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, and a Incredible journey over the last 12 months where we haven’t lost 13 games in a row. Keep fighting!”
“Incident shows us what we need to pay attention to”
His bosses weren’t as forgiving as the 59-year-old. Since he took office in February 2023, criticism of the 1990 world champion has never stopped. Klinsmann, who actually wanted to win South Korea’s first continental title in 64 years and make the team competitive for the World Cup, ignored the public during his short stays in the country, was one of the criticized points. That’s why he lost trust.
From the beginning, Klinsmann was also accused of choosing his place of residence in the USA. After the recent disappointment against Jordan (0-2), which was described in the media as a “disaster” or even “catastrophe”, the pressure had become ever greater. Some of the attacks were personal. But Klinsmann ruled out resigning.
The former striker was also doomed by internal disputes; there had been a lot of rows in the team. According to consistent media reports, there was an argument within the team over dinner on the eve of the semi-finals. Superstar Heung-Min Son and 22-year-old midfielder Kang-In Lee had to be separated from each other, and Son dislocated a finger on his right hand. “This incident shows us what we need to pay attention to when it comes to leading a national team in the future,” Chung said. Another tip against Klinsmann.
The Swabian, as national coach one of the main characters in the summer fairy tale of 2006, had waited three years for a new coaching position after his inglorious end at Hertha BSC. Now another engagement ended prematurely – he is likely to receive a million-dollar severance payment. It is still unclear who will succeed the 108-time national player.