Jürgen Klinsmann's career has never been conventional, and the latest plot twist in his absorbing tale, his appointment as FC Bayern München coach for next season, is a case in point.
Surprise announcement
Only on Thursday, Guus Hiddink was denying that he was on his way to succeed Ottmar Hitzfeld when the current coach leaves Bayern. But on Friday morning a statement on Bayern's website announced that their former striker would take the helm in the summer, as stunning a move as when Klinsmann accepted his first senior coaching role in 2004 – leading FIFA World Cup hosts Germany.
Germany role
At the time he was living in California and working in an advisory role at LA Galaxy, so there was plenty of scepticism as to whether he could transform a squad that had failed at UEFA EURO 2004™. Two years and one thrilling run to the semi-finals later, the doubts were gone, but so was Klinsmann, saying he wanted to return to "a normal life".
Work ethic
It has taken 18 months for him to be tempted back into coaching. "I am really, really happy and I am honoured to become Bayern coach," Klinsmann said. "It is a similar situation to three and a half years ago when I took over the national team." But then Klinsmann has always relished a challenge, He trained as a baker in his father's footsteps and shown a work ethic typical of his Swabian upbringing. Indeed, the locals have a saying: "Schaffe, schaffe, Häusle baue", meaning "be industrious, work like the clappers, and you will have our own house soon".
Löw backing
Those who worked with him at the German Football Association (DFB) have no misgivings about Klinsmann's decision. DFB president Theo Zwanziger said: "It is a fantastic thing that Jürgen Klinsmann is returning to Germany. He has done a lot for German football and will certainly achieve plenty with Bayern." Joachim Löw, who assisted Klinsmann at the World Cup before taking over the national side, added: "This has really surprised me. However, after our telephone conversations in recent weeks and months, I was sure he would return to coaching quickly."
New things
Another member of the Germany staff, Klinsmann's old team-mate Oliver Bierhoff, declared: "Jürgen has always been good for a surprise which he proved during his time as Germany coach. He will enhance the Bundesliga and it will be exciting with him around. I hope he will stay in Germany permanently." Yet Klinsmann was ever eager to learn new tricks. He tried out every position as a youth player before settling on a striking berth and after beginning his career at SV Stuttgarter Kickers, went on to represent seven clubs in four different countries. He won the UEFA Cup with FC Internazionale Milano and Bayern, and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at AS Monaco FC.
English won over
In 1994 he left Monaco for Tottenham Hotspur FC, going to a country where his reputation was as a diver, not helped by his part in West Germany's 1990 World Cup win. But the English stereotype of the humourless German was immediately confounded when he celebrated his first Tottenham goal with a mock dive, and he was voted player of the season by impressed journalists before promptly joining Bayern. Two terms later he made a shock return to Spurs from UC Sampdoria, ending his playing days by keeping Tottenham from relegation – though he came out of retirement briefly in 2003 under an assumed name to play for Orange County Blue Star. In all, he collected 108 caps, scoring 47 international goals, and winning EURO '96™ as well as the World Cup.
This is a fantastic choice
Miroslav Klose
Players thrilled
It was in the latter competition that he made his name as a coach, and the Bayern players who were in his squad are looking forward to the reunion. Miroslav Klose said: "This is a fantastic choice", while Bastian Schweinsteiger added: "We German internationals know what kind of person Jürgen Klinsmann is, so we are happy. He knows how the players feel. He was a great player himself, which is his big strength. I am looking forward to him coming." Even Angela Merkel's spokesman spoke of the German chancellor's delight. Even with six months to go before he arrives at Bayern, the German media have been in tumult about the appointment. Next season is unlikely to be quiet in Munich.
Surprise announcement
Only on Thursday, Guus Hiddink was denying that he was on his way to succeed Ottmar Hitzfeld when the current coach leaves Bayern. But on Friday morning a statement on Bayern's website announced that their former striker would take the helm in the summer, as stunning a move as when Klinsmann accepted his first senior coaching role in 2004 – leading FIFA World Cup hosts Germany.
Germany role
At the time he was living in California and working in an advisory role at LA Galaxy, so there was plenty of scepticism as to whether he could transform a squad that had failed at UEFA EURO 2004™. Two years and one thrilling run to the semi-finals later, the doubts were gone, but so was Klinsmann, saying he wanted to return to "a normal life".
Work ethic
It has taken 18 months for him to be tempted back into coaching. "I am really, really happy and I am honoured to become Bayern coach," Klinsmann said. "It is a similar situation to three and a half years ago when I took over the national team." But then Klinsmann has always relished a challenge, He trained as a baker in his father's footsteps and shown a work ethic typical of his Swabian upbringing. Indeed, the locals have a saying: "Schaffe, schaffe, Häusle baue", meaning "be industrious, work like the clappers, and you will have our own house soon".
Löw backing
Those who worked with him at the German Football Association (DFB) have no misgivings about Klinsmann's decision. DFB president Theo Zwanziger said: "It is a fantastic thing that Jürgen Klinsmann is returning to Germany. He has done a lot for German football and will certainly achieve plenty with Bayern." Joachim Löw, who assisted Klinsmann at the World Cup before taking over the national side, added: "This has really surprised me. However, after our telephone conversations in recent weeks and months, I was sure he would return to coaching quickly."
New things
Another member of the Germany staff, Klinsmann's old team-mate Oliver Bierhoff, declared: "Jürgen has always been good for a surprise which he proved during his time as Germany coach. He will enhance the Bundesliga and it will be exciting with him around. I hope he will stay in Germany permanently." Yet Klinsmann was ever eager to learn new tricks. He tried out every position as a youth player before settling on a striking berth and after beginning his career at SV Stuttgarter Kickers, went on to represent seven clubs in four different countries. He won the UEFA Cup with FC Internazionale Milano and Bayern, and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at AS Monaco FC.
English won over
In 1994 he left Monaco for Tottenham Hotspur FC, going to a country where his reputation was as a diver, not helped by his part in West Germany's 1990 World Cup win. But the English stereotype of the humourless German was immediately confounded when he celebrated his first Tottenham goal with a mock dive, and he was voted player of the season by impressed journalists before promptly joining Bayern. Two terms later he made a shock return to Spurs from UC Sampdoria, ending his playing days by keeping Tottenham from relegation – though he came out of retirement briefly in 2003 under an assumed name to play for Orange County Blue Star. In all, he collected 108 caps, scoring 47 international goals, and winning EURO '96™ as well as the World Cup.
This is a fantastic choice
Miroslav Klose
Players thrilled
It was in the latter competition that he made his name as a coach, and the Bayern players who were in his squad are looking forward to the reunion. Miroslav Klose said: "This is a fantastic choice", while Bastian Schweinsteiger added: "We German internationals know what kind of person Jürgen Klinsmann is, so we are happy. He knows how the players feel. He was a great player himself, which is his big strength. I am looking forward to him coming." Even Angela Merkel's spokesman spoke of the German chancellor's delight. Even with six months to go before he arrives at Bayern, the German media have been in tumult about the appointment. Next season is unlikely to be quiet in Munich.
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