"Klinsmann Smiles After Defeat... Pressure for Dismissal" English Media Also Criticizes

The Mirror Criticizes "Sparking Public Anger"
Power Strengthening Committee to Meet on 15th... Klinsmann to Attend Remotely

British media also focused on the dismissal issue of Jurgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the South Korean national football team. The media criticized Klinsmann for smiling after the match defeat, which sparked public anger.

On the 13th (KST), the British Mirror reported, "South Korean politicians want to dismiss Klinsmann, who failed at the Asian Cup and has been smiling too much."

Coach Klinsmann Returns to Korea
Photo by Yonhap News

The Mirror stated, "South Korea suffered a shocking defeat to Jordan in the Asian Cup semifinals, and some South Korean politicians are leading calls for Klinsmann's dismissal."

It continued, "South Korea, which included Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae, and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in, was one of the favorites to win this tournament. However, they lost in the semifinals, and Qatar defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final. As a result, Klinsmann faced heavy criticism, and The Korea Times mentioned that his tactics and a photo of him smiling after the loss to Jordan 'sparked public outrage.'"

South Korea, which challenged for the Asian Cup title for the first time in 64 years, was completely defeated 0-2 by Jordan in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup semifinals, failing to realize their dream of becoming champions. In particular, they struggled in the semifinal against Jordan, failing to register a single shot on target.

The media explained that due to this series of events, politicians such as Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, and Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the National Assembly, stepped forward demanding Klinsmann's dismissal.

Coach Klinsmann giving an interview upon returning to the country

It added, "Some South Korean politicians also intervened in Klinsmann's position. Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the ruling People Power Party, demanded Klinsmann's dismissal from the Korea Football Association (KFA). Kwon wrote, 'Due to repeated disappointments during the Asian Cup, Klinsmann has been criticized for lacking tactics. The public criticism is not about the wins or losses in the tournament but about doubts regarding his capability as the national team coach and his negligent attitude toward his duties.'"

Furthermore, "Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, also urged Klinsmann's dismissal on Facebook, saying, 'Chairman Chung Mong-gyu should announce the termination of the contract with Klinsmann.' Klinsmann insisted he would not resign after South Korea's loss to Jordan. He said, 'I have no intention of doing anything. I plan to analyze this tournament, return to Korea with the team, and discuss with the association the good and bad points of the tournament,'" the report said.

Former Players' Soccer Association Executives Discuss Klinsmann's Position
Photo by Yonhap News

After the match against Jordan, Klinsmann stated he had no intention of resigning as the national team coach and said he would return to Korea to evaluate the tournament. He arrived in Korea with the team on the 8th. However, just two days later, he headed to the United States, where his home is located, intensifying fans' calls for Klinsmann's dismissal.

Meanwhile, the Korea Football Association (KFA) plans to review the Asian Cup comprehensively through the Strengthening Committee in the association's conference room on the 15th. Based on this outcome, KFA Chairman Chung Mong-gyu is expected to make the final decision on whether to dismiss or retain Klinsmann as head coach.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.