Voller's job safe, claims German FA chief

Germany coach Rudi Voller has been told his job is safe - even if they go out of the World Cup in the first round.

Voller’s side will be on an early plane home if they lose to Cameroon tomorrow and the Republic of Ireland beat already-eliminated Saudi Arabia.

German Football Association president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder said: ‘‘I know the papers cannot prevent themselves discussing the topic of the coach’s future, but for us at the German FA there will be no discussions about it.

‘‘I know our society has a tendency to question everything, but look at France who are also in danger here.

‘‘I don’t imagine for one moment that their exemplary development system would be thrown into doubt were they to exit the tournament.’’

Voller has been in the job since the Germans’ first-round exit at Euro 2000.

The former striker initially took the job on a temporary basis, but stepped into the full-time role after coach-elect Christoph Daum had his job offer withdrawn following revelations of drug use.

Under Voller’s guidance, Germany recovered to qualify for the finals in Japan and Korea - despite the setback of their 5-1 hammering by England.

And Vorfelder firmly believes Voller should be given time while the Germans re-build.

He said: ‘‘In Germany we have also put into place a scouting network to cover young talent based on the French model - but we can’t criticise the system a few weeks after setting it up.’’

Germany were seconds away from clinching their place in the last 16 when Ireland’s Robbie Keane popped up to grab a last-gasp equaliser, leaving everything to play for against the African champions in Shizuoka tomorrow.

Voller at least has the luxury of knowing star striker Miroslav Klose has shaken off a knee injury to line up.

Klose is leading the race for the Golden Boot after hitting four goals, all headed, including a hat-trick in the opening 8-0 demolition of the Saudis.

‘‘Everybody in our squad is fit and raring to go,’’ said Voller.