Jurgen Klinsmann in Contention for China’s National Team Manager Role

Recently ousted South Korean national team manager, Jurgen Klinsmann, is reportedly in consideration for the vacant managerial position with the Chinese national team. The Chinese Football Association (CFA) is said to have included Klinsmann on its list of candidates following the dismissal of Aleksandar Jankovic. Jankovic was sacked by the CFA after China’s exit from the Asian Cup group stage.

Klinsmann’s departure from the Korean national team came after a one-year tenure, marked by criticism for perceived tactical shortcomings and a failure to secure the Asian Cup. Despite a 13-game unbeaten streak leading up to the tournament, Korea faced setbacks, culminating in a semifinal loss to Jordan on Feb. 6.

Notably, during Korea’s unbeaten run, they defeated China 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier last November, a match where Jankovic served as the Chinese national team’s manager.

Reports indicate that the CFA is financially equipped to meet Klinsmann’s annual salary, previously estimated at 2.9 billion won ($2.1 million) during his stint as the Korean national team manager. However, the final decision rests on whether Klinsmann will accept the role, as other candidates like Carlos Queiroz and Branko Ivankovic are also under consideration by the CFA.

China is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scheduled to commence next month against Singapore. The qualification format involves a home-and-away series, with China facing Singapore on March 21 and the return leg on March 26. As it stands, China occupies the third spot in Group C, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the third round of qualifiers.

The unfolding developments in China’s search for a new national team manager add intrigue to their upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, as the football community watches closely to see who will lead the team in this crucial period.

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Meghnad Iyer

Meghnad Iyer, our Indian football enthusiast, is the voice behind the vibrant narratives covering the Indian Super League (ISL). Born and raised in the football-crazed nation of India, Meghnad's articles are a celebration of the excitement and fervor that define Indian football.