South Korean team is 'fed up' with coach Klinsmann
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann's future is almost decided after a meeting on February 15 between officials of the Korea Football Association's Strategy Enhancement Committee.
The meeting was held to resolve the problems of the Korean team at the 2023 Asian Cup, including poor performance (eliminated in the semi-finals), internal conflicts, and most importantly, to discuss the future of coach Klinsmann.
As the German strategist confirmed that he would not submit his resignation, the KFA considered the option of terminating his contract. According to Yonhap , KFA members reached a consensus that the head coach should be replaced soon.
Coach Klinsmann finds it difficult to stay in his position.
"We are not the authority that makes the final decision, so there will be no official announcement. However, the Korea Football Association's Strategic Enhancement Committee has reached a consensus: Coach Klinsmann needs to be replaced," a member revealed to the press.
The failure at the Asian Cup and the brawl involving Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in have angered Korean fans. Many fans brought banners to the headquarters of the Korea Football Association (KFA), demanding the resignation of KFA President Chung Mong-gyu and coach Klinsmann. Some extremist fans even sent... funeral wreaths to the federation headquarters to put pressure.
The Korean media asserted that Coach Klinsmann failed to prove his ability when he completely lost control of the team. He could not instruct his students, manage the stars, and build a suitable playing style for the Korean team.
"Coach Klinsmann favors players playing abroad and is not interested in the K-League. He also spends more time in the US than in Korea. Just two days after finishing his journey at the Asian Cup, people saw Klinsmann booking a flight back to the US," Chosun commented. The German strategist is very likely to be fired this week.
Park Hang-seo - the surprising name
According to Korean media, in case of firing coach Klinsmann, the KFA will list potential replacements. The five names mentioned at the meeting of the Korean Football Association include coaches Hong Myung-bo, Hwang Seon-hong, Choi Yong-soo, Kim Ki-dong and Park Hang-seo.
Coach Park Hang-seo
Among them, Coach Hong Myung-bo is the name mentioned the most. He has experience coaching the U.20 Korea (2009), U.23 Korea (2009 - 2012), before taking charge of the Korean national team for a short period of time (2013 - 2014). He is currently coaching Ulsan Hyundai Club and helped this team win the K-League 2022, 2023.
With 136 appearances for the Korean national team, Hong Myung-bo is highly regarded for his cultural understanding, player relationships and professional ability.
However, coach Park Hang-seo is also a notable candidate. According to Donga , Mr. Park is a suitable face if the KFA wants to find a temporary strategist to lead the Korean team in the two matches against Thailand in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next March.
"Coach Park Hang-seo is currently resting. If he is appointed as an interim coach, that is also a worthy option. Because Korea will face Thailand in the next two matches, and coach Park Hang-seo understands Thai football very well," the Korean media questioned.
Mr. Park Hang-seo has 20 years of experience in Korean football as a head coach, having led several Korean teams, or worked as an assistant to coach Guus Hiddink, making a great contribution to helping the Korean team reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup.
He also spent time coaching the Korean Olympic team at the 2002 ASIAD, then left the position due to his inability to help the Korean team win the championship.
During his 5 years working in Vietnam, Coach Park Hang-seo has achieved great success with the 2018 AFF Cup championship, a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Asian Cup and the 3rd qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup with the Vietnam team, bringing the U.23 Vietnam team to the final of the 2018 U.23 Asian Cup, winning 2 gold medals at the 2019 and 2022 SEA Games, helping the Vietnam Olympic team reach the semi-finals of the 18th ASIAD.
Currently, coach Park Hang-seo is spending time running personal projects in both Korea and Vietnam.
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