Mourning Klinsmann's Departure

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I have always been a German fan and probably will always be one and when Jürgen Klinsmann (who was my idol in the 1990 World Cup) took over the reins from Rudi Völler, I for one could not have been more proud. But having read all the criticisms that were constantly aimed at him, I can only respect his decision to leave. I do wish that he had decided to stay instead, but I also think that he should leave while he is still regarded as a national hero. The coach who beat the odds to bring the young team that he put together almost on the eve of the tournament to such great heights. A team that not many had faith in. But they did silence the critics. They may not have won the World Cup but they definitely won the heart of their fans all around the world. All the best to Jürgen Klinsmann in whatever his plans for the future may be. -- Daphne Lim, Malaysia

Some cannot picture Klinsi coaching anyone but German players

I think Jürgen made the right decision. I'm sure the commute between California and Germany was quite exhausting for him and his family. And I know that his decision wasn't easy. Unfortunately Germany has lost a great coach. I am an American of German descent and found myself routing for the German National Team instead of the USA. Hey, they were better. This was an exciting team that I feel will continue to get stronger in the years to come. I wish Jürgen much happiness in his future. I hope he doesn't coach the USA because it just wouldn't feel right to see him without Klose, Podolski, Ballack and the others. -- Heather Banz, Maryland US

I'm hugely disappointed with Klinsmann's decision to step down as head coach of the national team. Jürgen has been inspirational and bold over the past two year culminating in a successful World Cup finals. Not only the team gave their backing but a millions nation wide, it's going to difficult to find like for like replacement. I just feel that Klinsmann should have stayed on at least until the 2008 European championship to bring on Joachim Löw more and help the team progress further. It is a young team of Klinsmann's making and my only wish is that it hasn't just been a "flash in pan" period for us and we can continue to make big strides forward. -- Ash Chai

Being a die hard fan of the German team for such a long time , it's been such a while that Germany has given me such an optimism about its future in football. Every thing seamed right until Klinsmann's resignation. He gave the team a new identity, philosophy, self respect and most importantly a new direction. Try to bring him back, if not as a coach, at least as a coordinator of youth development.2010 could be the German year. I strongly believe so. Usman Tufail

A gentleman on and off the pitch?

That was the right decision at this moment; probably because he needs to take a respite and overcome some emotional trauma. But I would love to see him come back to coach the team. He is such a good and emotional coach. He was good as a player and equally so as a coach; not just an ordinary one but one of class. -- Douglas Aboagye

Klinsi is the best thing that ever happened to German soccer. He did not collapse under the scrutiny of B&B (Beckenbauer and Bild), taught his team self confidence, developed an interesting, attacking style. He endured all the nasty criticism and now he says good bye with a smile of victory. It doesn't get any better. I sure hope he will coach the USA team. They will probably adore him and not bash him. The USA Fans would have loved to have a coach that participates in the game, by openly showing his support and pride in his team. The world needs more Klinsis -- and less Bild tabloids. -- AJM, California, US

Seeing such an ambitious and creative coach leaving the German team before the start of Euro 2008 and future World Cup 2010 was heartbreaking. But it seems like Joachim Löw will be good note for the German team, because Löw assisted Klinsmann and the team will pretty much have same training and a bit of alterations. -- Emily, US

At least there won't be anybody in California crucifying Klinsi as has been done by Mr. Beckenbauer and "Mrs. Bild" (tabloid). Has anybody ever wondered how hurtful that has been to Klinsi? In my opinion, he is making the right decision. I would leave too. -- Heidi M.

Yes, he took the right decision. Considering the insulting, negative comments in Germany's Bild and the trouble he had with the German soccer association, it was a very wise decision. This pattern of running down people is a German attribute -- whether in soccer, in companies or wherever. The tendency of people that hardly know something to judge and to criticize is always there -- unfortunately a very bad habit in that country. -- Valerius