Ribbeck feels the heat

Ribbeck chats to England counterpart Kevin Keegan

Embattled Germany coach Erich Ribbeck has shrugged off calls for him to quit, just three weeks before the start of Euro 2000.

And he also had words of criticism for his captain, Oliver Bierhoff, as the normally focused German camp begins to look increasingly strife-torn

Ribbeck has come under increasing pressure from within Germany, following an indifferent run from the reigning European champions.

Why should I resign?

Erich Ribbeck

But, with the media on his back and his team struggling to achieve the mastery of continental football they have enjoyed in the past, he remains in determined mood.

When asked by a German newspaper if he should resign, Ribbeck said: "Why should I?

"I have qualified the team (for Euro 2000) and I think that, after concentrating on our preparation, we can fare well there," he told Westdeutscher Allgemeine Zeitung.

Bierhoff has not helped Ribbeck's cause

The German team chief also criticised his captain, AC Milan striker Bierhoff, for saying he felt midfielders Thomas Hassler and Mario Basler should be included in the squad.

"I don't find it right that Bierhoff should make such suggestions," said Ribbeck, clearly annoyed by his skipper's outspoken statements.

"The fact that he has made public comments on selection matters is not particularly helpful."

Ribbeck, who has faced criticism ever since he replaced Berti Vogts in the wake of Germany's shock quarter-final defeat by Croatia at France 98, will name his squad for the finals on Monday.