Former German international Stefan Effenberg has urged the German Football Federation (DFB) to sack manager Jurgen Klinsmann 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 play the United States on March 22 with Klinsmann under pressure following the last week’s 4-1 thrashing by Italy.
His decision to remain based in the United States has attracted derision in some quarters and and Franz Beckenbauer said 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 added.
Effenberg called for his old Bayern Munich boss Hitzfeld to take over the reins.
“I do not think he would say no a second time if you asked him,” stated Effenberg.
Klinsmann has so far refused to comment on all the speculation surrounding his future.
“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.”
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