Klinsmann sacked by South Korea after Son Heung-min injured in ping pong bust-up
South Korea have made the decision to dismiss manager Jurgen Klinsmann after their disappointing exit at the Asian Cup.
The team were among the favourites for the tournament, having reached the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup. However, they fell short against Jordan in the semis amid a difficult continental campaign.
Among the distractions was a bust-up between members of Klinsmann's squad. Spurs captain Son Heung-min was left with a dislocated finger after a clash with Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in on the eve of the Jordan loss.
""We've reached a consensus that Klinsmann cannot exercise his leadership as national team head coach for various reasons and that a change of leadership is necessary," Hwangbo Kwan of the Korea Football Association said in a statement. Klinsmann, 59, had only taken over from Paulo Bento as manager in February 2023.
Things started solidly enough for South Korea at the Asian Cup, with a victory over Bahrain in their opening group game. They needed a late equaliser against Jordan in their second, though, while the final group outing against Malaysia ended all-square after the minnows levelled things up deep into stoppage time.
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That first group game would prove to be the only one Klinsmann's team won inside 90 minutes. They needed penalties against Saudi Arabia in the round of 16, while an extra-time winner from Son saw them past Australia in the quarter-finals.
The Jordan game was a bridge too far, though. South Korea's opponents are ranked some 64 places lower in the world, but claimed a 2-0 win to march on to the final, where they were beaten by hosts Qatar.
Did Jurgen Klinsmann have to go? Have your say in the comments section
South Korea lost to Jordan in the Asian Cup semi-finals (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)"Klinsmann has failed to display managerial capability and leadership expected of a national head coach in areas ranging from tactics and personnel management to work attitude and others required to bring about competitiveness to the team," the KFA president added in the statement confirming the German's exit. Klinsmann's tenure ends long before his contract was due to expire, after he was initially appointed on a deal running until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
On the subject of the bust-up with Son, meanwhile, PSG youngster Lee issued a statement on social media. "It was reported that I had an altercation with Son ahead of the Asian Cup semi-final," the 22-year-old wrote.
"I have caused great disappointment to all those football fans who support the national team. I am so sorry. I should have listened to the older players and I apologise for not showing a good attitude.
"I apologise to the many people who are disappointed in me. I am well aware of how invested fans are in me as a player. From now on, I will try to support the senior players and become a better player and person."
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