High-ranking South Korean football officials suggested on Thursday that head coach Jurgen Klinsmann be fired, citing that "leadership change is necessary" in the wake of their Asian Cup semifinal defeat and player discord.

 A new leader is required because, according to Hwangbo Kwan of the Korea Football Association's national team committee, "we've reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons." 

 Although the committee does not have decision-making authority, it will recommend actions to the KFA executive board, which will ultimately make a choice.


Hwangbo reported that the committee had concluded that Klinsmann's "tactical preparation fell short" during the team's disappointing Asian Cup campaign following a three-hour meeting.

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"There were opinions that Klinsmann failed to show his resolve to find new talent and that he failed to grasp internal conflict or mood among squad members in management," he said.

"There were also reviews that he appeared to ignore the Korean public for his short stays in South Korea and that he had lost trust of them," he added.


Despite having a solid team that included players like Son Heung-min, South Korea lost to Jordan 2-0 last week, which has put pressure on Klinsmann. 

 According to the Yonhap news agency, Klinsmann participated in the meeting virtually from his US home.