Former national coach Jürgen Klinsmann wants to win the Asian championship with the South Korean national soccer team early next year.
The new boss of the 2002 World Cup fourth-placed team announced the goal on Wednesday after arriving at Incheon International Airport. Klinsmann told reporters that he was “very proud and privileged” to be in South Korea and to be able to work with the national team. “Our goal is to win the Asian Cup next year.”
Contract until the end of 2026
The South Korean Football Association (KFA) announced Klinsmann’s commitment at the end of February. The former German national player, who succeeds the Portuguese Paulo Bento, got a contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup. Before that, South Korea wants to end a long dry spell at the Asian Cup. The South Koreans last won the trophy in 1960 – that was the second time in a row.
Like last year’s World Cup, the 2023 Asian Championship will take place in Qatar. Due to the extremely high temperatures in the country, among other things, the original date in the summer of this year was postponed to the beginning of 2024.
Festive reception for Klinsmann
The South Korean Football Association prepared a celebratory reception for Klinsmann at the airport. He was overwhelmed, said the 58-year-old, whose arrival was broadcast on the federation’s YouTube channel. “I think they did a good job in Qatar and I hope I can do even more,” said the new coach of South Korea’s World Cup appearance. The team had reached the round of 16 and was then eliminated by record world champions Brazil.
For Klinsmann it is the third job as national coach. From summer 2004 to summer 2006 he looked after the German national team – including at the home World Cup almost 17 years ago. From July 2011 to November 2016 he was the national coach of the USA. He will make his debut as coach of the South Korean national team on March 24 in the international match against Colombia.