Korean U23 coach fired

The decision was made on February 6 after a lengthy meeting of the KFA technical subcommittee members, who reviewed and evaluated coach Kim Bong-gil’s performance. His achievements with the Korean U23 team did not meet the expectations of fans and experts at home.

“It would be better to terminate the contract with coach Kim Bong-gil. We thank him for what he has done,” said a KFA representative. Coach Kim Bong-gil has led the Korean U23 team since late 2017, with the goal of leading the team to win the 2018 ASIAD championship in Indonesia.

However, he could not fulfill his contract after a poor performance at the AFC U23 Championship. South Korea topped Group D after beating Vietnam and Australia and drawing with Syria. However, their performance was not very convincing. In the quarter-finals, coach Kim Bong-gil's team struggled to overcome Malaysia 2-1.

In the semi-finals, the limitations of the Korean team were exposed. They were completely overwhelmed by Uzbekistan and lost 1-4. The disastrous campaign of the U23 Korea team ended with a 0-1 loss to Qatar in the third-place match.

Currently, the KFA has not announced who will be the successor to the chair left by coach Kim Bong-gil. They are not in a hurry because the ASIAD is still more than 6 months away. Korean football experts analyze that the KFA made a mistake in appointing Kim Bong-gil from the beginning. Because this strategist has no notable highlights in his career.

That was clearly shown at the AFC U23 Championship. The Korean team lacked creativity, fighting spirit and the ability to change tactics. The success of Vietnam U23 with a Korean coach - Park Hang-seo was also a factor that put pressure on the KFA, forcing them to make an early decision about Kim Bong-gil's future.