Asia Cup: Klinsmann’s smile causes irritation in South Korea

Asia Cup
Klinsmann’s smile causes irritation in South Korea

Former national coach Jürgen Klinsmann spoke with South Korea’s footballers after the semi-final exit Asian Cup caused irritation. The 59-year-old congratulated his colleague Hussein Ammouta with a smile after the 2-0 defeat in Qatar’s Al-Rayyan against Jordan.

This smile is difficult to understand, wrote the newspaper “Ilgan Sports”. Klinsmann was asked about it immediately after the game: It was normal for him to congratulate the other coach, he said. Klinsmann has a quick smile, but with it he “sometimes offends people,” wrote the national news agency Yonhap.

The semi-final knockout caused great disillusionment in South Korea. A day after the defeat against outsiders Jordan, local commentators asked what was next for the team. “Korea, and especially head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, have to answer an important question: What just happened?” wrote the newspaper “JoongAng Ilbo”. The weak performance of the two-time Asian champions was particularly disappointing. “Ilgan Sports” spoke of a devastating defeat.

In South Korea it is assumed that the pressure on the former national coach in the country will grow. Doubts hung over the future of the national team, according to The Korea Herald newspaper. Some fans have already called for the coach’s resignation in view of the fluctuating performance in the group games. South Korea only won one of five games in regular time. Late goals in particular saved the team from an early exit.

Klinsmann, who took up the coaching position last year with the goal of winning the Asian Championship among other things, did not comment directly on his future. When asked after the game about a possible retirement, he said: “I haven’t planned anything.” However, he will talk to the national football association about the performance after his return.

dpa