BERLIN (AFP) -- Retiring Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann spoke on Wednesday of the overwhelming pressures of the World Cup which left him exhausted and convinced him he could no longer continue in the job.

Klinsmann, 41, decided not to renew his contract with the German Football Federation despite an overwhelming campaign from the press and public to convince him to stay on.

Germany's impressive effort in finishing third at the World Cup captured the imagination of a nation who had feared before the tournament their heroes may not even get past the group stages.

But Klinsmann, who lives with his American wife in California, admitted the mental strain of preparing his country's bid to win the World Cup had, at times, been too much.

The former World Cup-winning striker revealed he decided to quit during a two-day retreat in the Black Forest, where he was joined by his assistant Joachim Loew.

He told a press conference to announce his departure: "My big wish is to go back to my family, to go back to leading a normal life with them. "But another important reason is that after two years of putting a lot of energy into this, I feel that I lack the power and the strength to continue in the same way. I quite simply feel burnt out. I want to give myself half a year's holiday."

The World Cup semifinal defeat against Italy hit Klinsmann hard and he admitted it would be a while before he could fully appreciate his achievements since taking over in 2004.

He added: "After the Italy game I fell into a hole, but then you have to get up because you have the responsibility to lead the players on to try to do something great, which happened.

"But after it was all over I realized I needed a long time to reflect, to process what has happened. "The next international game is in four weeks, and that is too soon for me. I have had two years of highs and lows, of strong emotions."

Loew will try to build on the foundations laid by Klinsmann, who has told his assistant he will also be on call to offer advice.

Klinsmann said: "I have promised Joachim and the players that I am always there for them, not just in a professional capacity but as a person. "An incredible playing culture has developed over the past two years, and I hope we will build on that. The only sensible option has been to ask Joachim to lead them further. I am very glad that he has taken up this challenge." Loew believes his players are capable of going one step further at Euro 2008 and said: I am delighted to continue with these players. We have to make sure they do not fall into a hole, we want to help and hold them. We want to become the European champions."

Klinsmann's next job meanwhile may be closer to his adopted home after reports during the World Cup claimed he had held preliminary discussions with the United States about replacing Bruce Arena as national team coach should Arena leave the job.

It would be little surprise if Klinsmann were to take up the challenge of reproducing his success in Germany by leading the Americans at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.