South Korea Fires Coach Klinsmann After Asian Cup Semifinal Loss

Jurgen Klinsmann was dismissed as the coach of the South Korean national football team on Friday after a loss to Jordan in the Asian Cup semi-finals, coupled with issues involving key team members.

The decision comes less than a year into his tenure, during which Klinsmann, a celebrated former German international and World Cup winner, struggled to gain the support of fans and the media in South Korea.

Chung Mong-gyu, the president of the Korea Football Association (KFA), announced the decision, citing a comprehensive evaluation that concluded Klinsmann lacked the necessary managerial skills and leadership qualities, including tactical knowledge, personnel management, and professional conduct, to enhance the team’s performance.

Klinsmann expressed gratitude towards his players and described his time with the team as an “incredible journey” in a social media post shortly before his termination was made public.

The KFA faced significant pressure to relieve Klinsmann of his duties, especially after its national team committee declared the need for new leadership on Thursday.

The team had been embroiled in controversy following an incident where star player Son Heung-min sustained an injury to his finger during a dispute among players. This altercation, which involved Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in attempting to strike Son, emerged from tensions over team dinner etiquette and resulted in physical confrontations. Although Lee’s camp denied any punch was thrown, the dispute highlighted divisions within the squad.

This internal conflict arose when younger players, including Lee, hurried through their meals to play table tennis, upsetting some senior players who valued the dinner as a time for team bonding. Despite the incident, both Lee and Son participated in the match against Jordan, with Son playing with his fingers taped.

Klinsmann, who had aimed to secure South Korea’s first Asian Cup victory in 64 years, was under contract until the 2026 World Cup before his abrupt dismissal.