Raise Your Hand if you Like Jurgen Klinsmann

Somebody out there other than his wife and children must like Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, right? The hero of the 1990 World Cup wouldn’t be elected dog catcher these days in his native country. Following his team’s pathetic 4-1 loss to Italy this week, the Germany newspapers have been less than kind to Herr Klinsmann. Now, German politicians are joining the anti-Jurgen movement.

“It would be nice if Mr Klinsmann could explain his ideas and how he wants us to be world champions,” said Norber Barthle, a member of the governing CDU party. “The game against Italy was awful and you are left asking how he can make up ground by the summer. The Federal Government is the biggest sponsor of the World Cup and I would just like a few answers.”

How fortunate it must be to live in a country where your football team’s fate is the most important issue of the day for politicians. Forget about unemployment, terrorism, global warming; the country needs to focus all of its political, economic and military resources on making sure its team wins.

We didn’t think it would be possible, but suddenly we are beginning to feel a bit of sympathy for Klinsmann.