Löw steps up as Klinsmann quits

Jürgen Klinsmann will be succeeded as Germany coach by his assistant Joachim Löw following their success in guiding the host nation to third place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "Two years ago it was Jürgen who sat here and said, 'We want to win the World Cup'. Now I am sitting here and saying, 'It is our goal to win UEFA EURO 2008'," Löw told reporters today.

Regret
The 41-year-old Klinsmann, who lives in California, had consulted with his family before ending his two years in charge. "It was no easy decision for me, but I had to choose this way because I want to return to a normal life with my family," he explained. "I feel burnt out and I will take a break." All 23 players in Germany's squad and 93 per cent of the public, according to opinion polls, had wanted the former striker to steer the team to the UEFA European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland. Löw will instead have that responsibility and has been given a two-year contract.

Löw in line
Löw's first match at the helm will be the friendly against Sweden on 16 August before Germany begin their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign in September. "We have a young team and I think we played the most attractive football during the World Cup," he said. "I am looking forward to working with these players and there is a lot of upcoming talent from our Under-21s." According to Klinsmann, the 46-year-old heavily influenced German tactics and lineups during the World Cup. He is a proponent of the more offensive style Klinsmann tried to instil. The outgoing coach also dismissed speculation he received a lucrative offer to coach the United States and has said he is not interested in managing another national side.