All smiles as Bayern´s Klinsmann opens charm offensive

New Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann was all smiles as he faced the media on Wednesday for the first time in his new role as boss of the German giants – despite a photographers' boycott.

Before the 43-year-old former Germany boss took to the stage in Munich, some 20 photographers walked out of the press conference in protest over Bayern's insistence they had just three minutes to photograph the new coach.

But with smile firmly in place, Klinsmann, who led his side to third place at the 2006 World Cup, greeted the remaining media and said he wants to take defending Bundesliga champions Bayern to “the next level”.

“The expectations at Bayern are always the highest you can possibly have,” said former Germany striker Klinsmann.

“The Bundesliga and German cup are the national competitions, but it is in the Champions League where we want to really compete.”

Training began on Monday at an ultra-modern complex adorned with buddhist statues and Bayern's stars can expect eight-hour working days as the new boss looks to raise the standards.

He said: “It is my philosophy that each player must want to improve each day.

“I would like to take the players to the next level, if each player becomes better, so too will the team.”

The new Saebener Strasse training complex will be Bayern's main centre.

“It will be a well-being oasis for the players, where they can have plenty of contact, time to relax and conversations.

“It will be a place of fun and energy.”

Having succeeded new Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld as Bayern boss, Klinsmann said he was “full of energy, pride and fun” for his latest role.

Despite media reports in Germany to the contrary, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisted their Euro 2008 star Lukas Podolski is going nowhere for the new season which starts on August 15.

With many of his top players not back due to report for training until the middle of the month after their post-Euro 2008 break, Klinsmann says he wants to formulate a system which will maximise Bayern's potential.

The German giants swatted aside all comers on the national stage, but struggled in the UEFA Cup where they were well-beaten by Zenit St Petersburg in the semi-finals.

“We will develop, step-by-step, a playing system which will help us control the game, regardless of who the opponent is.”