Jurgen Klinsmann was one of the greatest strikers of his era, but the German’s coaching career has never reached the same heights.
The 59-year-old was sacked on Friday as South Korea coach following its exit in the semifinals of the Asian Cup last week.
South Korean fans and media were never convinced when Klinsmann was appointed a year ago and lambasted him for his record, failing to move to the country and even the fact he smiled in defeat.
Klinsmann repeatedly told the doubters to trust him and banked it all on taking the country to their first Asian Cup crown since 1960.
But a talented side boasting Asia’s best player in Son Heung-min was convincingly beaten 2-0 by surprise Jordan in the last four in Qatar last week.
It later emerged that the Tottenham star and skipper was involved in a bust-up with teammate Lee Kang-in, the Paris Saint-Germain player, on the eve of the game.
Following the defeat to Jordan, Son said he felt sorry for Klinsmann, given the flak he had received from day one.
“I was deeply touched by how he took care of the players without showing any sign of frustration and never giving up until the end,” said Son.
Klinsmann remained affable and polite with the media, even when asked following South Korea’s exit whether he would quit. He refused to jump, but has now been pushed instead.
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