Bayern Munich chiefs were in talks with Jurgen Klopp BEFORE he became Borussia Dortmund boss in 2008, but moved for Jurgen Klinsmann instead, reveals Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
- Bayern Munich needed a new person in charge after Ottmar Hitzfeld’s retirement
- They had discussions with Jurgen Klopp, who had just resigned as Mainz boss
- The German giants eventually opted for Klinsmann, who had no club experience
- Former Tottenham striker Klinsmann was sacked after nine months at the club
Bayern Munich spoke to Jurgen Klopp about appointing him as manager before they eventually decided on Jurgen Klinsmann, according to chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Despite discussions with Klopp, who instead joined Borussia Dortmund from Mainz, Bayern opted for surprise pick Klinsmann to replace the retiring Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Klinsmann’s tenure was unsuccessful and he was dismissed after nine months, with Rummenigge later calling it the worst decision of his career as a board member.
Jurgen Klopp held talks with Bayern Munich before they appointed Jurgen Klinsmann instead
Klinsmann was sacked after nine months, while Klopp was a big success at Borussia Dortmund
Klopp, who had resigned as Mainz boss after their failed attempt to get promoted back into the Bundesliga, was overlooked in favour of the former Tottenham striker despite Klinsmann having never managed a club side at that point.
Rummenigge told ZDF Sport: ‘I was partly responsible for bringing Jürgen Klinsmann on as a coach. Unfortunately, that didn’t work.
‘That was also due to FC Bayern, but it just didn’t work. I’m very sorry. It wasn’t a good decision for both parties.’
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted picking Klinsmann over Klopp was an error
‘(Then club president) Uli (Hoeness) was in talks with Klopp at the time. We had to make a swift decision and then we agreed to get Jurgen.’
Klopp excelled at Dortmund, winning two Bundesliga titles, two German Super Cups and a German Cup before joining Liverpool, where he won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League last season.
Klinsmann left the United States men’s teamafter they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and resigned from Hertha Berlin in February 2020.