Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has asked the German Football Federation for more time to make a decision about his future.

Klinsmann experienced two years of fierce criticism ahead of the finals, with his refusal to move to Germany from his California home and a series of poor displays in friendlies giving his detractors plenty of ammunition.

However, he has become a national hero over the past month as his side's attractive brand of attacking football took them to the semi-finals and German football chiefs are now keen for him to sign a new contract and stay on until Euro 2008.

"I'd rather be getting these compliments for the job we've done than put up with a debate about where I live but at the end of the day I'll make a decision together with my family," said Klinsmann.

"My situation depends on my family issues, it has nothing to do with any authority I have or don't have (in the German Football Federation).

"I just have to clear this up with my family. The team is there and could carry on the way it's going now."