Klinsmann to take charge at Bayern

MUNICH, Germany -- Bayern Munich have sprung a surprise by announcing that Jurgen Klinsmann will take charge at the Bundesliga club from next season.
The former German national coach take over from Ottmar Hitzfeld, who had already indicated that he would stand down at the end of the current campaign.
The appointment was revealed on the Web site of the German giants:
"Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann will succeed Ottmar Hitzfeld as Bayern head coach on July 1, 2008," read the statement.
It will be Klinsmann's first foray into club management after his success in guiding hosts Germany to third place in the 2006 World Cup.
The 43-year-old won 108 caps for his country, playing in the 1990 World Cup triumph and captaining Germany in their successful Euro 96 campaign.
Klinsmann played for Bayern between 1995 and 1997, winning UEFA Cup and Bundesliga honors.
He is currently based in California and was criticized in the build up to the 2006 World Cup for not spending enough time in Germany.
Bayern, who top the Bundesliga which is on its midwinter break, will unveil Klinsmann later on Friday.
Hitzfeld announced he would step down after reportedly being upset by criticism from club officials.
The veteran coach revamped the Bayern team with summer signings such as Italian World Cup star Luca Toni and French international Franck Ribery, but after a superb start to the current campaign their form leading up to Christmas was indifferent.