Fired Klinsmann never cut it as a manager

Hong Kong – Juergen Klinsmann (right) was one of the greatest strikers of his era, but the German’s managerial career has never reached the same heights.

The 59-year-old was sacked yesterday as South Korea coach following their 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 managerial 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 were convincingly beaten 2-0 by surprise packages 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.

For his detractors, Klinsmann’s ill-fated spell in charge will be more evidence that he was never cut out to be a coach.

As a prolific striker, Klinsmann almost won it all at international and club level.

He won 108 caps for Germany, scoring 47 goals, and helped his country to World Cup glory in 1990. He was also a European champion.

Klinsmann lifted the German title with Bayern Munich and was a Uefa Cup winner with Bayern and Inter Milan.

In contrast, his only silverware as a coach is the continental Gold Cup with the United States more than a decade ago.

His stunning success as a player saw him take over as Germany boss immediately after retirement and with no managerial experience. –