Ribbeck sacks Jeremies from Germany squad

Germany coach Erich Ribbeck has dumped Bayern Munich midfielder Jens Jeremies from his squad to play Switzerland in an April 26th friendly.

The action is punishment for a 'Kicker' interview in which Jeremies said Germany had no chance of retaining their European championship title of 1996 in July and that no changes had been made for the better in the national team since their exit from the 1998 World Cup.

Ribbeck has been fighting to keep his job against a constant campaign in the press against him and he saw Jeremies' words fuelling his already difficult position. Ribbeck was eighth choice to succeed Berti Vogts in October 1998 after Vogts quit the national team job.

The coach insists that the midfielder may still play in the Euro 2000 finals which kick off on June 10th but the 26 year old who has won 22 caps seems set for a spell in the international wilderness until Ribbeck leaves or quits his job. Most German press pundits say that should happen by mid July.