Following their Asian Cup semifinal loss and in response to criticism of his leadership, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced on Friday that Juergen Klinsmann had been fired as national team coach.
On Thursday, the KFA Technical Director Hwangbo Kwan announced that there were "various reasons" to question Klinsmann's capacity to lead the team. The National Team Committee, an advisory body of the KFA, had recommended taking Klinsmann's job.
Fans and some politicians called for the 59-year-old's dismissal after South Korea's elimination from the Asian Cup this month due to a 2-0 loss to Jordan in the semifinals, prolonging their 64-year wait for a third title.
KFA President Chung Mong-gyu expressed disappointment with Klinsmann's tenure.
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"Coach Klinsmann failed to demonstrate leadership that we expected from the national team coach, including game management, player management and work attitude, which elevate the competitiveness of the national team," Chung told reporters.
During the Asian Cup, Klinsmann's popularity in Korea plummeted. Many criticized his demeanor when he was spotted grinning despite his team's dismal results.
A brawl between players on the eve of the semifinal left captain Son Heung-min with a dislocated finger and raised doubts about the German's leadership.
The forward for Tottenham Hotspur faced Jordan while wearing a brace across his right index and middle fingers.
Despite having stated that he would spend time in South Korea, Klinsmann faced criticism frequently during his time with South Korea for primarily working in Los Angeles, where he currently resides.
After Friday's announcement, Klinsmann expressed his "sincere gratitude" to his players, staff, and fans in an Instagram post.
"Thank you so much for all your support taking us to the semifinal of the Asian Cup and an incredible journey over the last 12 months with not losing 13 games in a row before the semifinal," he said.
On Thursday, Yonhap News TV reported that ex-South Korean international Hong Myung-bo is among the names being considered to temporarily lead the team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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