SOUTH KOREA
Jurgen Klinsmann
After four years of the super-serious Paulo Bento, the smiling and breezy German has freshened things up in Seoul.
After being appointed in February, Klinsmann got a good look at his new team’s defensive frailties in March against Colombia and Uruguay, conceding twice in both friendlies. After the latter, he had to handle an overblown controversy involving Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.
“I only want to focus on my club at the moment, not on the national team,” the centreback said after the 2-1 loss, citing a long and draining campaign. The comment was badly received in Korea, where it was briefly suggested that the Manchester United transfer target was preparing to end his international career. He apologised soon after, and held a meeting with Klinsmann in Naples.
Son Heung-min did find the net against Colombia - his first international goals since before the World Cup - but it has been an underwhelming season for the Tottenham star, and Klinsmann will be concerned that his best players appear to be struggling with fatigue. Upcoming friendlies - against Peru and El Salvador - may provide an opportunity for rest and rotation.
For Klinsmann, the real tests will come at the Asian Cup in Qatar in January. There are still doubts as to whether the former United States boss has the tactical nous to take a team to a first continental title for over 60 years but he has, at least, been saying the right things.
MEXICO
Diego Cocca
This story is from the July 2023 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2023 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Never Say Never Again
Bayer Leverkusen are determined to shake off their tag of perennial runners-up
The Last Days Of Roma
How Jose Mourinho's time in the Italian capital came to an end
Opponents then friends: Beckenbauer and Cruyff
Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff’s relationship defined an era of football
THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN
RB Leipzig's as successful strategy to build a women's team as their men's is right on schedule
New-look Ulsan ready to defend title
The reigning K-League champions have rebranded since last season and are the team to beat yet again in 2024
Messi set for MLS spotlight
The Argentine and his Inter Miami team-mates will dominate the MLS headlines in a big year for North American football
Champions League knockout rounds begin
The last 16 has already begun, with the quarter-finals soon to follow
Hannes Halldorsson
The former Iceland goalkeeper looks back on his proudest moment in football
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2023-24 KNOCKOUT ROUND PREVIEW
Turn over now for Nick Bidwell's comprehensive team-by-team guide
Ventforet Kofu
Japanese second-tier side advance to Asian Champions League knockout rounds with a second-string team