As of: February 16, 2024, 7:40 a.m
By: Alexander Kaindl
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Jürgen Klinsmann is no longer coach of the South Korean national team.
Failure in the Asian Cup sealed his fate.
Seoul – Over, over, that's it: Jürgen Klinsmann was fired as South Korean national coach.
Chung Mong Gyu, president of the association, announced the decision on Friday in Seoul.
The move is the KFA's response to the team's unexpected elimination in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.
Klinsmann, 59 years old, only accepted the role as coach of the 2002 World Cup fourth-place team twelve months ago.
His contract was valid until the final of the 2026 World Cup.
Jürgen Klinsmann fired as South Korean national coach: A farewell social media message
On Instagram, the former national coach expressed his gratitude towards his players, his coaching team and the South Korean fans.
He wrote: "Thank you for all your support in getting us to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and for the incredible journey over the past 12 months in which we did not lose 13 games in a row until the semi-finals."
After being eliminated in the semi-finals of the continental championship last week, Klinsmann was heavily criticized by commentators and fans in South Korea.
The South Korean team had a disappointing performance against underdogs Jordan in the final round in Qatar, losing 2-0 without even shooting at the opponent's goal.
Football fans in South Korea then held a large banner in front of the KFA building calling for the national coach to be fired.
Klinsmann's smile after the game had previously caused irritation.
Jürgen Klinsmann was fired as South Korean national coach.
© Ulmer / Team photo / Imago
Klinsmann dismissed as national coach: An old DFB habit also led to his departure
Even before the Asian Cup, Klinsmann was criticized in South Korea.
The 1990 World Cup winner failed to win any of his first five games with South Korea.
The fact that he spent more time abroad than in South Korea was viewed critically - similar to his time as national coach.
Nevertheless, Klinsmann managed a flawless start to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Just a few days after the opening 5-0 win against Singapore, a 3-0 win against China followed in November.
Klinsmann took over the position in Asia almost three years after his failed coaching engagement at Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga.
His short-term goal was to win the Asian Championship.
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This was Klinsmann's third job as national coach.
From 2004 to 2006, the 1990 world champion led the DFB team and achieved third place at the home World Cup.
From July 2011 to November 2016, the former professional was the USA national coach.
And what happens now?
It is quite possible that Klinsmann will one day be considered a candidate again in the Bundesliga.
Current coach Thomas Tuchel is shaky at his former club Bayern Munich - possible successors are already being discussed.
Klinsmann will hardly be included because of his failed term in office from 2008 to 2009.
(akl)
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