Farewell to Klinnsman

Juergen Klinsmann announced on Wednesday that he has stepped down as the coach of Germany and his assistant Joachim Loew would take his place. 'This was not an easy decision,' Klinsmann, fighting back tears, told a news conference in Frankfurt. 'I would like to thank everybody for two exciting years.'

Klinnsman has decided that he is first and foremost a family man and he wants to spend more time with his family. Well, that is a decision which all fans should accept. Soccer Pundit feels that it may be a wise one too. Germany's unlikely third place finish has fuelled expectations that the title of world champion is within reach and and failure is no longer an option. The pendulous weight of the nation's hopes can be both inspiring and taxing. As a former top footballer, Klinnsman is attuned to the fact that fans have short memories and if he fails to replicate or further the success at Euro 2008, then his head will be on the chopping board again.

His decision to take a step back is timed correctly as he has pursued his dreams and gained much respect from all sectors in the process. His contributions to restoring faith in the German team and uniting the nation will not be forgotten. Meanwhile, Leow, the man in the hot seat, will find himself under scrutiny from now on.

The question is, will he continue with Klinnsman's legacy or go back to a defensive approach as favored by the traditionalists? Soccer Pundit thinks that while Leow will not undo the work of Klinnsman, he may just tone down the attacking instincts to please the few old men in the federation.