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The German Football Federation (DFB) announced today that Ottmar Hitzfeld has decided not to coach the German national team.
"This decision was very difficult for me," said 55-year-old Hitzfeld. "The position of national team coach is an honor, and hosting the World Cup at home - (the 2006 World Cup will be held in Germany) - is my dream. But I am not properly prepared to do what is necessary to prepare the team for the World Cup."
Former national team coach Rudi Völler stepped down last week after Germany's disappointing performance in the European Championship. Hitzfeld was mentioned as the most likely candidate to replace Völler, and among other candidates, the surprise of the European Championship, Greece's coach Otto Rehhagel, was named, but he recently stated he will stay with his team.
"I regret Hitzfeld's decision, but I have to respect it," said Gerhard Mayer Vorfelder, president of the German Football Federation. "On Monday, we will sit down and discuss our further options."
