Klinsmann On The Box

Former Germany boss Jürgen Klinsmann revealed on Thursday he is set to return to coaching and will be spending the summer considering job offers -- from both clubs and countries.

Despite German press reports on Thursday stating Klinsmann had effectively ruled himself out of coaching English Premiership champions Chelsea by taking a job with German TV, the 42-year old insists he wants to coach again.

Klinsmann will work as an analyst and commentator for pay-TV channel Arena for the next two years and will fly to Germany from his home in California for major Bundesliga games.

The Arena network has confirmed that Klinsmann will get his own show on a two-year contract starting next season. The show will feature commentary and analysis around Bundesliga matches and important games in foreign leagues.

"I don't see myself as the classic TV expert," said Klinsmann, "but rather as an observer who enjoys football as much as the fans do."

Competing for the star coach

But the ex-German striker insists he is also ready to coach again after taking a break having led Germany to third-place at last year's World Cup on home soil.

"Whatever happens, I want to get back into the coaching game. We'll have to see whether that happens sooner or later," Klinsmann said at a press conference organised by Arena.

He said he has told his new employers he may be taking up a coaching role in the future after receiving offers "from teams and from national federations."

"I made sure Arena are aware of that, so if I accepted a coaching post, our collaboration can be suspended at any time," specified Klinsmann. "There are a certain number of proposals from clubs and national federations on the table, I am going to wait until this summer to analyse and sort out the offers to make a decision."

Klinsmann would not specify which jobs he is considering, but he has been tipped to succeed Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Tired, emotional and burnt out

And the former Tottenham, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich forward explained why he stood down as German coach, saying he was "burned out" after two years in charge and needed to "recharge his batteries".

"It was necessary that I took a break after the World Cup, it was difficult for my family. During the last 10 months, I have enjoyed a normal family life and I also took time to assess the World Cup."

Klinsmann had also been in talks with the United States Soccer Federation last year over its bid to replace incumbent US coach Bruce Arena with the California-based German soccer hero. But in December, Klinsmann gave up on the idea when it became clear that he would have no control over team matters. Bob Bradley is now the interim boss of the US-team as it searches for a permanent replacement.

Earlier this year, Klinsmann had also been informally approached by the Australian team, according to Australian media reports. Klinsmann was reported to have discussed real estate but also football business with Peter Lowy, the son of Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy.

Although the TV contract has put his career as a football coach on hold for at least two years, the charismatic Klinsi recently dropped a hint that he might be back for the World Cup 2010. "Who knows, perhaps I'll be a coach once again at the 2010 World Cup (in South Africa)," he said at a FIFA conference in Berlin.

From underdog to national hero

Klinsmann became a national hero when he led the German team to third place in last year's World Cup. But he stepped down as Germany head coach four days after the tournament, saying it was time to move on.

Klinsmann, who lives with his wife and two children in California, said then that his "big wish is to go back to my family, to go back to leading a normal life with them." He added that "after two years of putting a lot of energy into this, I feel that I lack the power and the strength to continue in the same way."

His new job as a television commentator is bound to afford the legendary Klinsmann a more comfortable daily routine.

In the run-up to the 2006 World Cup, Klinsmann endured scathing criticism from the tabloid press and some of his colleagues in the business. Critics viewed Klinsmann's coaching strategy with contempt, as he recruited many younger players into the team and was known for his unorthodox training methods. Klinsmann was also chided for his decision to commute to Germany from California.

But Germany's strong showing in the World Cup took most observers -- including Germany fans -- by surprise and silenced even the most relentless critics. Klinsmann subsequently became known as the "Golden Bomber" for his blonde hair and aggressive playing tactics.

"It was the most beautiful World Cup ever," a visibly emotional Klinsmann said when it was over. "We've created a new image of the Germans around the world." For that achievement, Klinsmann was awarded the Medal of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) by the German government.

As a player, Klinsmann claimed a World Cup title in 1990, when Germany beat Argentina 1-0, and went on to play for France, Italy and England. After a brief stint as a striker for California's Orange County Blue Star, Klinsmann retired in 1998 and began his career as a coach.