German coach gets ultimatum

Theo Zwanziger, the president of the German Football Federation (DFB), said Sunday that Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann would be given time to consider his future after the FIFA World Cup™ but must make a decision by August 16.

German chiefs pleaded with Klinsmann - who has guided the hosts into the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup - to sign a contract extension prior to the finals but according to AFP reports, the 41-year-old coach said he wanted to discuss the situation with his family. "The only timeframe is our first international against Sweden on August 16," Zwanziger told Bild am Sonntag.

"After the end of the FIFA World Cup on July 9, Klinsmann would have five weeks to decide whether he extends his contract." Klinsmann took over the job in August 2004 and is contracted until the end of the finals. The DFB want Klinsmann to sign a two-year extension to guide the team towards Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

Former Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur striker Klinsmann has admitted he is having a lot of fun in the job but said his family - who are based in the United States - would have the final say. Germany chiefs have been impressed by Klinsmann's work with the national team over the past two years and have vowed to continue his policy of nurturing young talent and playing attacking football - whether he stays or goes.

"Klinsmann has installed a philosophy in this team and that needs to continue as we owe it to the fans - even if there is the risk it sometimes doesn't work," Zwanziger said. "Klinsmann's way is the right one and we want to continue with it."

Klinsmann, who had no previous managerial experience, has guided hosts Germany to the FIFA World Cup semi-final and they meet Italy in Dortmund on Tuesday, July 4, 2006.

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German coach gets ultimatum

Football

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