Global sports media “ESPN” pointed out the “coach risk” by presenting the prospect of Korea’s Asian Cup with Son Heung-min (Tottenham) at the forefront. ESPN, which voiced criticism against coach Jurgen Klinsmann, said, “In order for Klinsmann to eliminate the question mark against the head coach, he must eventually produce the result of winning.”
ESPN published an article titled “Korea has Son Heung-min. But is Klinsmann the right leader for Korea?” The media reported that Korea, considered the strongest country in Asian soccer, aims to win the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup after 1960, and introduced its first championship bid in 64 years.
ESPN reported, “Coach Klinsmann is optimistic about winning the title,” referring to the country’s most powerful ever. “Defensive player Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) won the Serie A title in Naples (Italy) and moved to Munich, where he was nominated for the Ballon d’Or,” the media said. “Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) has 10 goals and three assists in 20 matches (this season). On top of that, Lee Kang-in has established himself as a starting member of Paris Saint-Germain.”
“Clinsman has filled the rest with strong players and the best players in the K-League.” ESPN gave Son a thumbs up as the best player to participate in this Asian Cup.
“Son Heung-min is the most outstanding player in the Asian Cup. He is the best without fail,” the media said. “He scored 12 goals and five assists in 20 matches this season for Tottenham under Coach Enze Postecoglou. Since Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) moved to Bayern Munich, he has been playing as a forward striker by wearing the captain’s armband.”
ESPN, which had a positive outlook on the Korean national team in general, pointed out Klinsmann’s leadership as a weakness. Media outlets reported in February last year that Klinsmann signed a contract through 2026 as Korea’s new head coach, adding question marks to his career. 안전한 파워볼사이트
ESPN reported, “Klinsmann was dismissed after less than a season in Bayern Munich, and Philippe Lam (then Munich player) said he was “tactically incompetent.” As the coach of the U.S. national team, he was also fired after failing to advance to the World Cup finals after losing 0-4 to Costa Rica. He was also disqualified after 76 days at the 2019 Herta Berlin (Germany) where he led the Korean national team.”
ESPN also downplayed the German national team’s advance to the semifinals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, saying, “At the time, Joachim Löw was a big contributor.” In addition, ESPN listed Klinsmann’s controversy at home and his criticism of receiving the uniform directly from Aaron Ramsey, the opponent team’s player after the match against Wales.
ESPN also viewed negatively on whether the team would be able to perform well in the upcoming tournament. “Korea was eliminated after losing to Qatar in the quarterfinals in the 2019 tournament,” the media outlet said. “Coach Paulo Bento reorganized his team and led the Taegeuk Warriors to the World Cup finals,” and pointed out that “Korea is meeting Iran, the strongest team in the quarterfinals again this time, and it is questionable whether Klinsman will be given the same opportunity.”
ESPN said, “In the end, putting all criticism to rest is to end the drought on winning,” adding, “But it will not be easy given the history of Korean soccer.”