The decision was taken after the team returned from Saturday's 2-0 friendly win over Iran in Tehran where Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann had a rare chance to take over from Kahn.

Maier has been in charge of goalkeeper training at the national team since 1988, but had come under fire after bad mouthing Lehmann in the press.

"He (Lehmann) can go hang himself, he'll never be number one," the 60-year-old Maier is reported to have said.

Maier favours Kahn, who like him is with German giants Bayern Munich.

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who paid tribute to Lehmann after Saturday's game, is said to favour former German and Marseille goalie Andreas Koepke for the coaching job.