SEOUL, South Korea – The Korea Football Association (KFA) terminated the contract of national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann after the team’s exit at the Asian Cup and amid criticism of his leadership. The decision came after the National Team Committee, a KFA advisory body, recommended Klinsmann’s removal, stating “various reasons” to doubt his ability to lead the team effectively.
KFA Technical Director Hwangbo Kwan expressed concerns about Klinsmann’s leadership, citing issues with game management, player management, and work attitude. The decision to sack Klinsmann followed South Korea’s semifinal exit from the Asian Cup after a 2-0 loss to Jordan, extending their 64-year wait for a third title.
KFA President Chung Mong-gyu mentioned that Klinsmann’s tenure did not meet expectations, emphasizing the coach’s failure to demonstrate the expected leadership qualities. Klinsmann’s popularity also waned during the Asian Cup, with criticisms of his attitude and management style after poor performances from the team.
In addition to his leadership concerns, an altercation between players on the eve of the semifinal further raised doubts about Klinsmann’s management. The incident left team captain Son Heung-Min with a dislocated finger, with the forward playing strapped during the match.
Klinsmann’s coaching approach was also questioned for primarily working in Los Angeles rather than spending significant time in South Korea. Despite this, Klinsmann expressed gratitude to the players, staff, and fans in an Instagram post following his termination.
As Klinsmann exits, South Korea begins the search for an interim head coach for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with ex-South Korean international Hong Myung-bo being considered for the role. Klinsmann, a World Cup winner as a player, previously coached Germany, the United States national teams, and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
Before Klinsmann’s appointment, reports of communication issues within the National Team Committee surfaced, although these were denied by the committee’s head, Michael Muller. Klinsmann’s time with South Korea had a rough start, but the team’s form improved prior to the Asian Cup, leading to a semifinal appearance, despite their eventual defeat to Jordan.
Overall, Klinsmann’s leadership and coaching style faced intensifying criticism, ultimately culminating in his dismissal from the South Korea national team.