Sack Klinsmann, bring in Hitzfeld says Effenberg
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-03-11 10:49

BERLIN (AFP) - Former German international Stefan Effenberg has urged the German Football Federation (DFB) to sack manager Jurgen Klinsmann immediately and replace him with former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

"If I was in charge then I would get rid of Klinsmann right away and get Ottmar Hitzfeld in," Effenberg told Bild daily. "I would even suggest doing that before the United States game."

Germany host the United States on March 22 in Dortmund with Klinsmann under extreme pressure after a 4-1 thrashing by Italy in Florence last Wednesday.

His refusal to leave his United States home has stirred up controversy and Franz Beckenbauer, who was Klinsmann's manager when West Germany won the 1990 World Cup, claimed it was time for him to spend more time in Germany.

"I know Klinsmann and he will not give an inch. The rest of the world is laughing at us and the others are losing respect," Effenberg said.

Klinsmann is widely expected to lead the host nation at the World Cup, running from June 9 until July 9, but Effenberg, 37, believes a change is needed even though the finals begin in just three months time.

Not content with calling for Klinsmann's dismissal Effenberg, who played with the current German manager in the early 1990's, called for his old Bayern Munich boss Hitzfeld to take over the reins.

Hitzfeld turned down the German job after the Euro 2004 finals, as did Greece manager Otto Rehhagel, before Klinsmann agreed to succeed Rudi Voller.

"I do not think he would say no a second time if you asked him," declared Effenberg.

Hitzfeld, who won four German titles, two German cups and the 2001 Champions League crown with Bayern, is currently a free agent working as an expert on German television.

Klinsmann has so far refused to comment on all the speculation surrounding his future saying his future hinges on the World Cup.

"No I would not say that my job is on the US game," Klinsmann told magazine Kicker. "I am enjoying the job and it is possible that I will carry on after the World Cup."