South Korea have reached the Asian Cup knockout rounds, but coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been criticized for everything from his tactics to his smile and captain Son Heung-min said the players have faced abuse.
The South Koreans take on Saudi Arabia in the last 16 tomorrow with a toxic atmosphere threatening to envelop the team after a shaky start to their bid for a first Asian title in 64 years.
An opening 3-1 win over Bahrain in Qatar was followed by a 2-2 draw with Jordan that saw Klinsmann’s side need an injury-time own goal to salvage a point.
Photo: AFP
Worse was to come when they conceded a last-gasp equalizer in a 3-3 draw with Malaysia — ranked 130th in the world — to finish as runners-up in Group E behind Bahrain.
Tottenham Hotspur star Son said after the game that “comments that cross the line” had been aimed at his teammates.
“It really hurts as a teammate to see the boys in pain,” Son said.
Striker Cho Gue-sung in particular has faced criticism after missing a string of chances in three goalless appearances.
The 26-year-old gained huge popularity among South Korean female fans following the 2022 World Cup and the Denmark-based attacker has appeared in celebrity television shows.
Now he is accused of not concentrating on soccer and his Instagram account has been flooded with hundreds of critical comments.
However, fans and media have reserved their strongest ire for the German legend Klinsmann, who could be seen grinning on the bench after Malaysia scored their 105th-minute equalizer.
“It was a day of shame for Korean football,” the JoongAng newspaper said on Friday of the draw with a team that was already eliminated.
A World Cup winner as a player, Klinsmann has faced heavy criticism ever since taking charge a year ago.
His refusal to live in South Korea has been a major bone of contention, as have his tactics, team selections and previous managerial record.
Freelance soccer writer Hong Jae-min, who is covering the team in Qatar, said some South Korean fans view Klinsmann with “hatred.”
“Korean football fans don’t like him and don’t support him,” he said. “Klinsmann is always smiling. Even after he lost, or he drew against Malaysia — they conceded three goals and he still smiled.”
“He sat on the bench throughout the game and just smiled,” the JoongAng said.
Klinsmann admitted to being “a little bit angry” after the Malaysia game, but he has remained relentlessly upbeat throughout the tournament.
His sunny demeanor stands out even more when he is in the presence of stern-faced assistant Cha Du-ri, who often stalks the touchline barking instructions to the players.
Klinsmann told reporters after the Malaysia game that he saw “a lot of positives.”
“It was actually really OK apart from those two goals,” the 59-year-old said. “It is what it is.”
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