Klinsmann still the man for us, says Rummenigge

AFP - 7 October 2008 15:50

According to Bayern Munich club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge new manager Jurgen Klinsmann´s, seen here in 2006, coaching methods will have major implications not only for German football but for the global game.

BERLIN (AFP) - Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Tuesday gave his backing to under-fire club coach Jurgen Klinsmann, saying the club were confident the former Germany manager was still the man for the job.

"We are convinced about Jurgen and his philosophy. For us he is still a great trainer. We have confidence in him," Rummenigge told the newspaper Bild.

When asked who would be coach next season, the former Bayern and Inter star said: "Jurgen Klinsmann. It's certain. There's no doubt about it."

Despite grand visions - including a multi-million training complex with its own cinema and Buddha statues - and even grander expectations, Klinsmann's short reign at the German champions has been disappointing.

Pressure is now mounting on the former Tottenham player, who took over from Ottmar Hitzfeld in July, to turn things around as Bayern sit 11th, seven points behind league leaders Hamburg.

"We have not given up the title," said Rummenigge. "I'm a fighter and an optimist. There have always been difficult phases ... that have ended well, in a satisfactory manner. It will be the same this time."