Jürgen Klinsmann has been fired as national coach in South Korea. This was preceded by the disappointing exit in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, and there were also reports of disputes within the team.
The Korean Football Association (KFA) has “decided to replace the head coach after a comprehensive analysis“, KFA President Chung Mong-Gyu announced at a press conference on Friday (February 16, 2024). The KFA association is thus drawing the conclusions from the surprising failure of the title favorite in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.
The 59-year-old Klinsmann only took over the position of head coach of the fourth-place team in the 2002 World Cup a year ago. His contract ran until the final of the 2026 World Cup.
Klinsmann thanks for “incredible journey”
It be “an incredible journey” said Klinsmann, who sent a message to his players, coaching staff and fans on social media: “Thank you for your support in getting us to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and an incredible journey over the last twelve months where we have not lost 13 games in a row. Keep fighting!”
Arguments and power struggles within the team
It was recently announced that there were power struggles and physical arguments within the team during the tournament. Fans and South Korean media had loudly called for Klinsmann’s dismissal in recent days. But even before the Asian Cup, during his almost one year in office, there had been repeated criticism of Klinsmann in South Korea.