DFB talks with Vogts about return to national team

The German Football Association (DFB) has held talks with Berti Vogts about a possible return of the former Germany coach as technical director of the national squad.

The DFB's co-president, Theo Zwanziger, and its general secretary, Horst Schmidt, held talks with Vogts this week, the DFB said in a statement yesterday.

The plans and timeframe had been agreed with national coach Juergen Klinsmann who will attend a second meeting with Vogts scheduled for the end of March. The World Cup takes place in Germany in 2006.

Vogts coached a Germany side that included Klinsmann to victory in the 1996 European Championship. He had hinted a return might be possible.

German media have speculated that Vogts, who stepped down as Scotland coach last November, was being lined up for a scouting role in the squad.