Knives out for Klinsmann after South Korea's 'shameful' Asian Cup exit

DOHA - Jurgen Klinsmann's position as South Korea coach came under intense pressure on Wednesday after what local media called a "shameful" and "humiliating" Asian Cup semi-final defeat to Jordan.

The Koreans crashed out 2-0 to a team ranked 64 places below them in the world and they failed to muster a shot on target despite boasting Son Heung-min in attack.

The German Klinsmann, who came into the tournament vowing to win South Korea's first Asian Cup in 64 years, said after the deserved defeat on Tuesday that he would not quit.

He was backed publicly by some of his players, primarily the captain Son, who said the 59-year-old coach will become "even stronger".

But the reaction of fans and media was scathing, saying the Jordan collapse was just the latest example of questionable tactics and team selections.

Most of all, Klinsmann's army of detractors arrowed in once more on the way he wears a ready-made smile, even in defeat.

"While the players showed their disappointment and forced smiles, Klinsmann's face was filled with laughter," said the Sports Hankook website.

"It was a scene that was extremely perplexing to comprehend, considering he is the coach of the Korean national team."

A World Cup winner as a player for Germany, Klinsmann was never a very popular choice in South Korea following his appointment a year ago.

Asked by AFP on Tuesday if he would quit, Klinsmann said: "I am not planning to do anything."

He said he would analyse the tournament and talk to Korean football officials, but "apart from that, I am not thinking of anything".

He found a sympathetic ear in Tottenham star Son, who apologised to fans and said he felt sorry for Klinsmann.

"Even before the tournament the perception of him was very negative, so I believe the coach must have felt a tremendous amount of pressure," said Son.

"Despite the difficult circumstances he managed to cope well.

"I was deeply touched by how he took care of the players without showing any sign of frustration and never giving up until the end," he added.