A series of events unfolded involving the Korea Football Association (KFA) and head coach Juergen Klinsmann following South Korea's unexpected semi-final exit at the Asian Cup 2023. The team, ranked 23rd in the FIFA rankings, suffered a 2-0 defeat to 87th-ranked Jordan, leading to widespread criticism of Klinsmann's leadership and tactics. Klinsmann, in response, attributed the loss not to tactical errors but to disharmony among players, as per KFA technical director Hwangbo Kwan. Amidst this backdrop, protests erupted outside the KFA headquarters, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of KFA chief Chung Mong-gyu over the decision to hire Klinsmann and the team's poor performance. An advisory committee to the KFA recommended Klinsmann's dismissal, a decision pending final approval by the Executive Board, which was informed by the National Team Committee's recommendations. The controversy also highlighted internal issues within the team, including a reported incident where Son ended up with a dislocated finger following a physical altercation, underscoring the alleged lack of seriousness among younger players and claims that some players wanted Lee dropped for the semi-final.
A Korea Football Association advisory body recommended sacking head coach Juergen Klinsmann. South Korea, 23rd in the FIFA rankings, were beaten by 87th-ranked Jordan 2-0 in the Asian Cup semi-finals, prompting calls for Klinsmann’s dismissal https://t.co/lUqsu0x8Nf https://t.co/vng2rp0P53
A Korea Football Association advisory committee recommended sacking head coach Juergen Klinsmann after their semi-final exit at the Asian Cup https://t.co/lUqsu0x8Nf https://t.co/5F73gTftdc
A Korea Football Association advisory committee recommended sacking head coach Juergen Klinsmann after their semi-final exit at the Asian Cup and amid criticism of his leadership https://t.co/lUqsu0x8Nf https://t.co/UMaHXCVESD
Indian football team drops 15 places to 117th in FIFA rankings, worst in seven years, after recent Asian Cup debacle. https://t.co/7fwsLwCU7F
Korean FA advisory body recommends sacking coach Klinsmann https://t.co/onKasALSSm https://t.co/tMoFLAy8Ko
Jurgen Klinsmann blamed the loss to Jordan at the #AsianCup on disharmony among players, not any lack of tactical preparation. In fact, according to KFA technical director Hwangbo Kwan, Klinsmann "didn't acknowledge" any lack of tactical prep on his part.
Media awaiting KFA technical director's briefing on future of Jurgen Klinsmann as South Korea MNT head coach. The National Team Committee that met today can only make recommendations (no decision-making power). Executive Board will have the final say on Klinsmann's fate. https://t.co/ioSCqoerM5
Outside the Korea Football Association headquarters (aka KFA House). Protesters calling for KFA chief Chung Mong-gyu to resign (over hiring Klinsmann, poor showing at #AsianCup2023) KFA's Asian Cup postmortem meeting will start shortly. Klinsmann will join via video conferencing https://t.co/vgSB5kTaHD
- Feeling that the younger players weren't serious enough - Claims that some players wanted Lee dropped for the semi - Lee reacted after being pushed in the chest Breakdown of how Son ended up with a dislocated finger. With @TheAthleticFC colleagues https://t.co/b3w5Ljugxn