Political circles also demand "Klinsmann dismissal"... Pressure on Football Association and Chung Mong-gyu

by Kim Eunha

Published 11 Feb.2024 20:33(KST)

Updated 11 Feb.2024 21:27(KST)

Coach Klinsmann Has Already Departed for the United States

The call for the dismissal of J?rgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the national soccer team who was eliminated in the Asian Cup semifinals, is growing stronger. The political sphere is no exception.

Jurgen Klinsmann, the head coach of the national soccer team, who completed the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, is returning home through Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on the afternoon of the 8th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 11th, Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, "As many experts have already pointed out, Coach Klinsmann was very disappointing as a coach, repeatedly delivering poor performances in the Asian Cup," adding, "How else could he be described but as having 'tasteless and colorless tactics'?" He expressed doubts about whether Klinsmann was truly capable of leading the national team, noting, "He has been harshly criticized as a coach by several teams, so there was always a question of whether he was fit to take charge of the national team." He said, "This Asian Cup has turned those concerns into reality."

[Photo by Yonhap News]

"Last August, Coach Klinsmann excused himself by saying he was 'understanding international trends and analyzing opponents,' but if this is the result of such hard work, it only raises more doubts about his abilities as a coach," he pointed out, adding, "The public criticism of Coach Klinsmann now is not limited to wins and losses. It is a suspicion of his qualifications and a reproach of his complacent attitude." He then demanded, "The verification of Coach Klinsmann is now over. It is time for the Korea Football Association to respond."

Hong Jun-pyo, mayor of Daegu, also harshly criticized Coach Klinsmann, saying, "He may have been excellent as a player, but as a coach, he is a complete failure." Appearing on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's One Match' on the 9th, he said, "A coach is a professional. If the results are poor and the coach is incompetent, dismissal is natural," emphasizing, "I don't know the details of the contract, but if there is a penalty fee, it should be paid out of the pocket of (Chung Mong-gyu) the president of the Football Association, not the association's funds."

The South Korean national soccer team, led by Coach Klinsmann, lost 0-2 to Jordan in the 2023 AFC Qatar Asian Cup semifinals held on the 6th (local time) at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, failing to advance to the final. It was a complete defeat, with no shots on target recorded during the full 90 minutes.

Despite having the best players, the team failed to produce satisfactory results, leading to intensified criticism of Coach Klinsmann. However, the coach clearly stated he has no intention of resigning, presenting the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup as the next goal.

Coach Klinsmann Already Departed for the U.S.... "Did Not Report to the Football Association"

Coach Klinsmann, who said he would analyze the reasons for the defeat and move toward the next goal, reportedly left for the United States on the 10th. This was only two days after returning home on the 8th following the Asian Cup semifinal loss. He returned on the 8th, rested for a day on the 9th, packed his bags, and departed on the 10th.

According to the YouTube channel 'Dalsu's Live,' operated by commentator Park Moon-sung, Coach J?rgen Klinsmann did not even report his departure to the Korea Football Association. Although a Strengthening Committee meeting is scheduled after the holidays to comprehensively evaluate this Asian Cup, it is reported that Klinsmann's attendance is unlikely.