Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann has sacked goalkeeper coach Sepp Maier, one of the most popular characters in German soccer, for supporting longtime starter Oliver Kahn in his feud with rival keeper Oliver Lehmann. Maier, goalkeeper when Germany won the 1974 World Cup, last week said Kahn was the better keeper even though Maier had been warned not to weigh in after making similar remarks a month ago. Maier has been working for the German soccer federation for 17 years.
Whereas previous German coaches have designated a No. 1 and No. 2 goalkeeper, Klinsmann said, ''It's an open position just like every other on the team.''
Lehmann performed well in last weekend's 2-0 win over Iran, then came under fire for not wearing goalkeeper gloves manufactured by the national team sponsor. He preferred the gloves he's been using during Arsenal's record unbeaten streak of 48 games in the English Premier League.