BERLIN, June 22 (Reuters) - Bayer Leverkusen coach Christoph Daum ruled himself out of contention on Thursday to succeed Erich Ribbeck as Germany coach after the national team crashed out of Euro 2000.

'I say here and now: Christoph Daum is not available for the position of national trainer. That eliminates me from this discussion,' Daum wrote in his column for Kicker magazine.

Daum, 46, emerged as a front-runner for the job of national coach even before Germany's humiliating exit, hinting he might play a dual role coaching for both club and country until his contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs out next year.

Club management refused to accept the so-called 'half-Daum' solution, however, saying they needed to hold on to the coach who led the club to within an ace of the German league title, ensuring another season of Champions League action.

'I have a contract in Leverkusen until 2001, and I fully intend to honour it,' Daum wrote.

Ribbeck resigned on Wednesday after Germany were beaten 3-0 by Portugal and failed to make the quarter-finals of Euro 2000.