World Cup defence will be hard: Klinsmann

Oct 3, 2017 - 3:43 PM Germany will find it hard to win back-to-back World Cup titles next year in Russia because other teams and their stars may be hungrier, according to their former coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Klinsmann told the Sport Bild weekly in a report made available ahead of Wednesday's publication that stars such as Argentina's Lionel Messi would be out for the title after missing out in the past.

"It will be very difficult to become world champion again," said Klinsmann, who coached Germany to third place at the 2006 home tournament and later was also in charge of the United States team.

"It is almost inhuman to develop the same hunger and determination at the following World Cup - even though the team has fresh blood through some new players.

Klinsmann's former assistant Joachim Low took over in 2006 and won the title 2014 in Brazil, famously beating the hosts 7-1 in the semi-finals and then edging Argentina 1-0 in the Maracana final.

"It's the last chance in 2018 for Lionel Messi to become world champion after the lost final against us, and to reach the same level as Diego Maradona," Klinsmann said.

"His and Argentina's greed and drive are perhaps a little bit bigger. That also applies to Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal. And to Neymar with Brazil."

Klinsmann also said that Low could stay on beyond the World Cup because he is doing a good job and co-operating well with the German football federation.

"Why should he quit? And why should the DFB not continue to work together with Low in the upcoming years?" Klinsmann asked. "Everything is just perfect!"

Source: AAP