Jurgen Klinsmann sacked by South Korea after Heung-min Son ping-pong controversy as KFA president delivers brutal parting shot to ex-USMNT boss

After a shock semifinal exit at the Asia Cup to Jordan, with a report following that the Korea players had a bust-up over ping-pong that led to captain and superstar Son Heung-min suffering a dislocated finger, Klinsmann was removed Friday. The ex-USMNT boss was in charge for just one year with the Asian nation.

In a harsh, but honest review, the German was given a brutal send-off with the KFA taking a shot at his managerial tactics and attitude.

“The KFA has decided to change the national head coach following a comprehensive review,” president Chung Mong-gyu said.

"Klinsmann has failed to display managerial capability and leadership expected of a national head coach in areas ranging from tactics, personnel management to work attitude and others required to bring about competitiveness to the team. Klinsmann’s attitude and competitiveness as head coach has fallen short of people’s expectations and it was agreed that this would not be improved going forward, so we have decided to change leadership ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifying games."

According to The Athletic, Klinsmann's refusal to move to South Korea also played a role in his sacking. Him opting to stay in the United States instead was not well received by the fans or his players, and as a result, he never won over the trust of his followers or team.

He wrote on social media: “Thank you so much for all your support taking us to the semi-final of the Asian Cup and an incredible journey over the last 12 months with not losing 13 games in a row.”

The former German international, and now ex-South Korea boss, will have to have a long think about what the future holds for him. Whether or not management is involved remains to be seen.