February 15 – Jurgen Klinsmann could be on the way out in South Korea after an advisory committee recommended sacking the manager following the last-four exit at the recent Asian Cup.
The committee made its recommendation to the Korea Football Association’s executive board and previewed a change in the managerial role.
“We’ve reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary,” said Hwangbo Kwan who sits on the committee.
Kwan said that Klinsmann’s “tactical preparation fell short”.
“There were opinions that Klinsmann failed to show his resolve to find new talent and that he failed to grasp internal conflict or mood among squad members in management. There were also reviews that he is appearing to ignore the Korean public for his short stays in South Korea and that he had lost trust from them,” he added.
“Klinsmann said there was discord among squad members and it affected their performance (in the Jordan match).”
The South Koreans departed the Asian Cup at the semi-final stage, losing 2-0 to Jordan. It was the manner of their exit that was so disappointing in the eyes of the Korean public. They were comprehensively outplayed by the Jordanians.
At no point in the tournament, did Klinsmann and his team deliver a convincing performance, often needing rearguard actions and added time goals to salvage a match
The team has been in the eye of the storm after failing to land its first continental trophy since 1960, having gone into the tournament as a firm favourite.
Earlier this week, The Sun reported that Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-In had a bust-up on the eve of the Jordan match, resulting in the Tottenham star injuring his finger. The KFA then later confirmed the story.
That news further fuelled calls for Klinsmann to be dismissed. The German returned to his home in California after a news conference in Seoul, a move that once again reignited criticism over his refusal to live and spend time in Korea.
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