German coach Klinsmann steps down

Matrix · 12 Jul 2006 at 03:26

Jurgen Klinsmann has decided not to continue as Germany coach.
"I regret his decision, but we have to accept it," said Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, co-president of the German Football Federation.

Assistant coach Joachim Loew is likely to replace Klinsmann.

Klinsmann, who lives in California, had been urged to continue as coach after steering Germany to third place in the recent World Cup.

All 23 players of the German World Cup squad, 93% of the public, according to opinion polls, and even some of his harshest critics have all said they wanted him to continue.

Germany have a friendly against Sweden on 16 August before their 2008 European Championships qualifying campaign starts in September.

Klinsmann, whose contract expired on Sunday, has dismissed reports he received a lucrative offer to coach the United States and has said he has no interest in coaching another national team such as England or Italy.

After Germany's semi-final defeat against Italy in Dortmund, Klinsmann said he wanted to talk to his wife before deciding whether to lead his country's attempt to qualify for Euro 2008.

Germany finished third at the World Cup after beating Portugal 3-1 in Stuttgart on Saturday.

Slogan · 12 Jul 2006 at 03:32

Very sensible.

He's had a good World Cup - blooded a lot of young players, proved a lot of people wrong and finished in a higher than expected position - decent bloke as well, from what you gather of these managers.

NokkonWud · 12 Jul 2006 at 04:50

I don't blame him at all, Club football is much more exciting as it's week-in/week-out which would suit him.

He also speaks fluent English so that gives him a wider area and World Cup experience. It wouldn't surprise me to see him as a Number 2 at a top club next season.

5ingh · 12 Jul 2006 at 10:34

Well its a good decision because he started the job with everyone against him and has ended it with everyone wanting him to stay, after doing a good job.

The feeling I get is that he would rather leave on a high note now rather than a possible low note later. Germany didn't have to qualify for the WC. For the Euro's they will have to qualify, so it isn't going to be easy. If the team loses a few matches then everyone will call for his head again.

leaskovski · 12 Jul 2006 at 11:10

Lippi has done it as well now!

WTF? :rolleyes:

Loki · 12 Jul 2006 at 11:14

Klinsmann comes across as a really likeable and top bloke. Shame hes stepping down really. SSN reported him this morning saying his only real destination would be the USA job as his family are settled in California and that was one of the reasons for him stepping down from the Germany Job

Yas786 · 12 Jul 2006 at 11:42

Shame hes stepped down, England would do well to get someone like him in charge...even though hes german but im pretty sure he would and could take England very far.

Excellent coach though, hats off to him for taking Germany almost to the final.