Klinsi Officially Unveiled as New German Coach

Jürgen Klinsmann officially took over as Germany's new coach on Thursday and immediately set his sights on winning the 2006 World Cup.

The former Stuttgart, Inter Milan and Tottenham striker, signed a two-year deal at the start of the week to replace Rudi Völler, who resigned after Germany's early exit from Euro 2004.

"I know that the fans in our country have one wish - to win the 2006 World Cup. That is also my aim," the 39-year-old Klinsmann told the press conference at which he was officially presented as national coach. "The potential to do that is there. We can do something, just like the Greeks did at the Euro 2004 tournament."

Bierhoff to handle off-pitch matters

Klinsmann will work with former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff, who has also signed a two-year deal to be team manager, a role which will see him work with the players, coaching team and the media. The German Football Association (DFB) says another, more experienced team assistant will be named next week. The man destined for that post, Holger Osieck, turned down the chance to be Klinsmann's number two on Tuesday.

"It's a difficult task before us," admitted Klinsmann, "but one which I believe Oliver and I can do. It was important to me that I had someone beside me who I understand totally. We have found that man in Oliver."

Former AC Milan striker Bierhoff, 36, said: "I will take care of all the off-pitch matters. Naturally, I will offer Jürgen bits of advice but I will not influence his team selection."