"South Korea is considered a disaster at the Asian Cup."

Jurgen Klinsmann's squad faced heavy criticism for failing to make any shots on target in their 0-2 defeat against Jordan in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup.

The South Korean newspaper Chosun headlines: "Klinsmann's Disaster in Qatar as Not a Single Shot on Target in Defeat to Jordan". The article highlights: "As a consequence of playing two consecutive extra-time matches, lacking defender Kim Min-jae, and having no clear tactics, the team shockingly lost to the 87th-ranked FIFA opponent."South Korea maintained possession for 70% of the match duration, attempted eight shots, but failed to force goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila into making any saves. Conversely, Jordan held possession for only 30% of the game but managed to take 17 shots, with seven on target, resulting in two goals.
After the final whistle, captain Son Heung-min stood motionless on the pitch. Despite attempts from Klinsmann and teammates to console him, he remained unmoved. It wasn't until 10 minutes later that he reluctantly walked off, obligated to fulfill post-match interview duties. "I don't know what to say," he replied, his eyes reddened. "I'm sorry. This will be my last Asian Cup."
In the two knockout matches prior, South Korea had fallen behind only to equalize in the dying minutes and force extra time. However, in the third match, they appeared fatigued towards the end, unable to muster the same pressure as before. South Korean newspapers also pointed fingers at Klinsmann as the issue of the team. "It's clear Klinsmann has limitations. There's no future for him with the national team," the newspapers wrote.
Yonhap News also criticized Klinsmann for "having no plan" throughout South Korea's matches. "Son and Lee Kang-in were left isolated in attack, while the defense was shocked in the absence of Kim," the paper wrote. "This raises questions about Klinsmann, who has the most talented squad in the team's history. Can South Korea perform like a cohesive unit under him?"Near the end of the match against Jordan, many South Korean fans also shouted, "Please, play football." Supporters felt that Klinsmann's preparation for the team in this tournament was inadequate, as he relied solely on stars like Son, Lee, Kim, or Hwang Hee-chan.
Despite media suggestions for resignation, the German coach stated he would not do so. "People talk a lot about this, but I never think about resigning," Klinsmann said in the post-match press conference. "After returning to South Korea, I will take the time to discuss what I did well in the tournament and what needs improvement."
Klinsmann previously led the German national team to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup and helped the United States win the 2013 Gold Cup. He took over South Korea in February 2023 but has been criticized multiple times for spending little time in the country. Across 18 matches with South Korea, Klinsmann's win rate is only 44.4%, significantly lower than his predecessor Paulo Bento's 61.4%.