Klinsmann named Bayern coach

Jan 11, 2008 - 4:02 PM MUNICH, Germany (Ticker) - Jurgen Klinsmann will take over as coach of Bayern Munich from next season, the club announced on Friday.

The former Germany boss will take the reins from Ottmar Hitzfeld, who is set to step down from the post at the end of the campaign.

"Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann will succeed Ottmar Hitzfeld as Bayern head coach on 1 July 2008," said a statement on the club's website.

The appointment marks Klinsmann's first foray into club coaching after he guided host nation Germany to third place in the 2006 World Cup.

He said it was "an honor" to return to a club he regards as "la creme-de-la-creme of World football."

"I am really happy to be able to be part of FC Bayern Munich," he said.

"This is a really special situation, similar to three-and-a-half years ago when I became coach of Germany. It is a real honor to work here and, in a way, continue the job I started with the national team."

Since the World Cup, Klinsmann has been living in California, and he was named as a candidate for both the United States national team job and the Los Angeles Galaxy, but rebuffed all approaches.

The 43-year-old won 108 caps for his country and was captain for the successful Euro 96 campaign.

Klinsmann enjoyed a successful stint with Bayern between 1995 and 1997, winning UEFA Cup and Bundesliga honors.