Jürgen Klinsmann, 59, head coach of South Korean National Soccer Team, has been fired amid Asian Cup semi-final loss, and disorderly conduct between players. The KFA revealed that there was an altercation between captain and superstar-player Son Heung-min and midfielder Lee Kang-in regarding them playing “table tennis” after their gut-wrenching loss to Jordan (2-0) in the February 6th semi-finals, as per CNN Sports.
“[Jürgen] Klinsmann has failed to show his competence in managing the game, the players, along with the expected attitudes as a South Korean coach,” said Chung Mong-gyu, chairman of the Korean Football Association (KFA).
Lee apologized for his behavior on his Instagram, writing: “I have caused great disappointment to fans who always support our national team. I am really sorry. I should have set an example and listened to older teammates. I’d like to apologize to many people who must be disappointed in me.”
According to Yahoo News, Mr. Klinsmann has already been under fire in South Korea for some time as he did not win any of his first five games since being appointed 12 months prior.
“Thank you so much for all your support taking us to the semi-final of the Asian Cup and an incredible journey over the past 12 months with not losing 13 games in a row before the semi-final,” Klinsmann wrote on his Instagram upon being fired.
Chung stated that the search for a new coach will start immediately, but that the Korean association is not ready yet to announce Klinsmann’s replacement.
“Rather than going into every detail and discussing who did what and how, we will use this as an opportunity to discuss with the new coach ways to help the young players grow further and become a team,” Chung stated of the incident and upon firing Klinsmann.
