South Korea’s Klinsmann still smiling at Asian Cup as criticism mounts
DOHA: South Korea have reached the Asian Cup knockout rounds but coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been criticised for everything from his tactics to his smile and captain Son Heung-min said the players have faced abuse.
The 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.Worse was to come when they conceded a last-gasp equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Malaysia – ranked 130th in the world – to finish as runners-up in Group E behind Bahrain.
Tottenham star Son said after the game that ‘comments that cross the line’ had been aimed at his team-mates.
“It really hurts as a teammate to see the boys in pain,” said Son.
Striker Cho Gue-sung and left-back Lee Ki-je have come in for particular criticism, with Cho missing a string of chances in three goal-less appearances.
But 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 equaliser.
“It was a day of shame for Korean football,” the JoongAng Ilbo 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. — AFP