While he continues to have his fair share of critics, Jürgen Klinsmann has now led South Korea to the semifinals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup — after his side came from behind to beat Australia 2-1 after extra-time on Friday. Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images
AL WAKRAH, Qatar — Jürgen Klinsmann’s time as coach of South Korea has been largely defined by his unpopularity.
Be it questions over his selections, tactics, not living in Korea as he committed to, or his perceived disrespect for the K League, fans of Taegeuk Warriors have been consistently irked by their German coach and fearful that he was squandering a golden generation of talent.
But now, after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Australia, he’s helmed South Korea to an Asian Cup semifinal.