WORLD CUP : Klinsmann given five weeks to decide future

Berlin, July 2 :

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

German chiefs pleaded with Klinsmann to sign a contract extension prior to the finals but 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 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 World Cup. The DFB want Klinsmann to sign a two-year extension to guide the team towards Euro 2008. Klinsmann has admitted he is having a lot of fun in the job but said his family — who are based in the US — 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.