Klinsmann sacked as ROK coach after 12 months in charge

SEOUL, Feb 16, 2024 (AFP): Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked as South Korea coach on Friday following defeat to Jordan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and revelations about a bust-up between star players.

The 59-year-old former Germany striker, a World Cup winner as a player, was in the post for just under a year and never won over South Korean fans or media.

"The KFA has decided to change the national head coach following a comprehensive review," Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu said.

"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."

Klinsmann, whose managerial record has not matched his stellar playing career, said it had been "an incredible journey" and thanked his players in a post on social media, just before the axe fell.