Klinsmann optimistic on future

Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Friday said he was optimistic the club would retain the league title and that his job was safe.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is mandatory – but of course our target is the title,” said Klinsmann ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Bielefeld, adding he wanted his men to take maximum points from their remaining seven games even if Ze Roberto and Lukas Podolski will miss the match.

“We think (leaders) Wolfsburg and (third-placed) Hamburg will endure a few slip-ups,” Klinsmann forecast as Bayern seek to overhaul Wolfsburg’s three-point lead and keep Hamburg, resurgent under Martin Jol, at bay.

Klinsmann has been much criticised amid the recent heavy defeats at Wolfsburg (5-1) and in the Champions League at Barcelona (4-0) but said he had met club officials Thursday to map out next season’s plans.

Even so, media reports say the former Germany striker and national coach may have to make way for former international Matthias Sammer, who currently is on the German Federation staff.