SEOUL - In the aftermath of South Korea's early exit from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, the Korea Football Association (KFA) convened on Friday to discuss the future of Jurgen Klinsmann as the head coach of the men's national team.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung Mong-gyu, the association's president, led the meeting with nine senior executives at the KFA House in Seoul, focusing on a recommendation from the National Team Committee to terminate Klinsmann's contract.
The committee's suggestion comes in response to South Korea's unexpected defeat to Jordan on February 6, where the team, ranked 23rd globally, failed to score against the 87th-ranked opponent, dashing hopes for its first AFC title since 1960. The decision to consider Klinsmann's dismissal reflects the disappointment over the loss and the perception of missed opportunities with a talented roster that includes notable players like Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min, Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in, and Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae.
The National Team Committee, an advisory body that addresses national team affairs, played a pivotal role in this process. While Chung has the ultimate authority to make a decision, he faces pressure not only regarding Klinsmann's tenure but also calls for his own resignation due to dissatisfaction with his leadership and decisions, including the hiring of Klinsmann in February of the previous year.
Further complicating matters, the KFA revealed that internal issues, such as tactical preparation deficiencies and unresolved conflicts among players, contributed to the recommendation to part ways with Klinsmann. A notable incident involving a dispute between Son and Lee before the match against Jordan was cited as an example of disharmony within the team, though Klinsmann attributed the semifinal exit to this rather than tactical shortcomings.
As the football community awaits Chung's final decision, announced in a press conference scheduled for later in the day, the situation underscores the challenges facing South Korean football in the wake of a tournament seen as a missed opportunity for a generation of players with high expectations.