Photo by NjT. Hwangbo Kwan, the Technical Director, addresses questions from journalists.
BK Park
Senior Editor
Seoul, Korea — When Jürgen Klinsmann ascended to the helm of the South Korean national soccer team, the appointment was met with anticipation, interest, and concern. On one hand, there existed a palpable sense of expectation.
He is poised to be dismissed about a year into his tenure. The South Korean National Football Team's Strengthening Committee held a lengthy meeting from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 15th (KST), concluding that "it is difficult to continue under the current Klinsmann regime" and announced plans to recommend his dismissal to Chairman Chung Mong-gyu, former CEO of Hyundai Motors.
Hwangbo Kwan, the Technical Director, disclosed in a press conference at the Seoul Shinmunro Football Association building around 4 p.m., "Today, the committee has collectively agreed on the need for a change in leadership due to various reasons, indicating that Klinsmann can no longer exert effective leadership as the national team coach."
This recommendation will be forwarded to the Korean Football Association's Chairman Chung, who will have an emergency meeting on Friday morning. An official from the association indicated that Chung is expected to make a final decision within the week, probably on Friday.
With only Chairman Chung Mong-gyu's decision pending, Klinsmann's dismissal seems all but inevitable. The likelihood of Chung ignoring public pressure and expert recommendations to retain Klinsmann is slim, especially given the political calls for the coach's ouster.
In early 2023, Klinsmann, succeeding Paulo Bento, was ushered in amidst great expectations, hinting at the dawn of a new era in Korean soccer with promises of an aggressive 4-3 win over the conservative 1-0 win approach.
However, Klinsmann faced many challenges and issues post-appointment, which became significant obstacles he needed to overcome. Many of these issues were self-inflicted.
The lack of tactical direction, questions about squad management capabilities, and difficulties adapting to the domestic soccer environment were continually raised. His strategy was characterized by an "all-out attack" style.
The Strengthening Committee's recommendation for Klinsmann's dismissal was based on several key factors:
Lack of Tactical Clarity: Despite an orientation towards aggressive soccer, Klinsmann's tactics lacked precise execution, leading to inconsistent performances and criticism from fans and experts alike. The committee has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with this aspect.
Player Management and Communication Issues: Klinsmann struggled with team communication and management, exacerbated by frequent self-directed international duties and remote working from the US. His handling of Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in incidents was also criticized, aligning with the committee's concerns.
Insufficient Results: The national team's performance under Klinsmann has fallen short of expectations, with poor outcomes in significant tournaments and friendlies leading to losing trust from fans and the association. He had promised to prove his capabilities with an Asian Cup win.
Negative Public Sentiment: The initial optimism surrounding Klinsmann and Korean soccer turned increasingly critical over time, especially regarding team selection decisions and tactical approaches. The Asian Cup highlighted these issues to their fullest extent.
Hwangbo Kwan, the Technical Director, noted, "The committee members felt that Klinsmann did not show an eagerness to scout and engage with diverse players. Issues with internal conflicts within the squad were not properly addressed, and there were criticisms regarding his lack of leadership in setting team efficiency and standards. His minimal domestic presence and attitude towards the national sentiment were also concerning, leading to lost trust and perceived irrecoverability. Criticism has extended to work attitudes becoming an issue in a sport that usually focuses on content and results."
Regarding a dispute among players before the Asian Cup semifinal against Jordan, Hwangbo responded to a journalist's question about the association's transparency, stating, "The incident occurred in a public setting, compelling the association to acknowledge it promptly. The operation of the national team is ultimately the coach's responsibility." He deferred comments on player discipline, adding, "The association is currently assessing the situation, and we will provide further updates once we have a clearer understanding."
Asked whether Klinsmann acknowledged his tactical shortcomings during the meeting, Hwangbo revealed, "While the committee emphasized this issue, Klinsmann did not admit to any shortcomings."
Klinsmann's likely dismissal marks a turning point for Korean soccer, facing the critical task of finding his successor, stabilizing the team, and preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Asia.
The selection process for a new coach emphasizes the importance of tactical clarity, player management skills, and close team communication, laying the foundation for the national team's global competitiveness and trust restoration among fans.
Klinsmann's departure is not merely a change of coaches but an opportunity for Korean soccer to reassess its direction and philosophy, ensuring the team's success is based on a long-term vision and sustainable development strategy. It requires close cooperation between the coach, players, and the football association. It also suggests that the influence of non-expert Chairman Chung Mong-gyu in coach selection should be minimized.
Klinsmann had developed a rapport with Chairman Chung since the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea, which helped him get hired as the head coach of the Korean team. It shows that a coach's appointment should be based on verified skills rather than personal connections.
Furthermore, Klinsmann's tenure has provided valuable insights into the importance of communication with the squad, tactical firmness, and a deep understanding of the domestic soccer environment as critical drivers of growth for Korean soccer.
With Klinsmann's expected departure, the Korean Football Association will undergo a more thorough selection process for a new coach, integrating feedback from soccer professionals, players, and fans to define the team's future direction clearly.
The challenges faced during Klinsmann's era may be a crucial turning point for long-term growth and development in Korean soccer.
As the official decision on Klinsmann's dismissal looms, the future course for the national team, its performance in upcoming competitions, and the findings of the new coach and football association will be closely watched.
Ultimately, the future of Korean soccer will be shaped by a new vision and strategy, embracing change and innovation. Klinsmann's departure signifies the readiness to open a new chapter for Korean soccer, with the national team's forthcoming endeavors drawing significant anticipation.
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