Klinsmann ‘good fit’ for England job
THE Football Association has declined to comment on reports that Jurgen Klinsmann is in discussions to become England’s new manager.
Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff, a close friend of Klinsmann, claimed on Friday night that the former Germany and current United States boss was in line to succeed Roy Hodgson.
An FA spokesman would not elaborate on the status of Klinsmann or any of the other reported candidates, such as Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.
Former Tottenham striker Klinsmann, 51, was at the helm of the Germany side when they began their renaissance in 2006 and Bierhoff says he would be a “good fit” as England seek to rebuild after a second-round exit to Iceland at Euro 2016.
Bierhoff, who was appointed to his current role by Klinsmann, let slip the apparent developments in a post-tournament briefing in Paris after Germany were beaten in the semi-final by France.
He was quoted in several national newspapers as saying: “Since the arrival of Jurgen Klinsmann – who I think is in discussions with England – we have also given the national team a certain pride, atmosphere and organisation.
“The success of the story is the high quality but also the good organisation and good atmosphere we have in the group.”
On Klinsmann’s suitability for the England role, he added: “He would be a good fit.
“We started in 2004 together and he’s not always, how can I say, nice to handle because he wants to change things, but he brings motivation.
“Since the arrival of Jurgen Klinsmann, German football stands up to quite a good level.
“When we failed in 2000 we invested a lot in the infrastructure and the education of young players and coaches, so now we have a lot of talented players, we have a good infrastructure and the Bundesliga is investing in young players.
“Perhaps it is an advantage that good players go to England and other countries, so clubs have to bring other players through.”