Published on 12:00 AM, July 05, 2008

Bundes Liga

Jurgen bans cell phones

New Bayern Munich boss Jurgen Klinsmann has banned his players from using mobile phones on the club's premises as the ex-Mannschaft coach rings the changes at the German giants.
According to reports in Thursday's edition of Munich daily newspaper TZ, one of Klinsmann's first rules in charge has been to ban mobiles, especially in the club's refurbished training complex at Munich's Saebener Strasse ground.
Having guided Germany to third-place at the 2006 World Cup, Klinsmann replaced new Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld as head coach at Bayern on Monday -- his first role as a club coach.
The Bayern squad now face eight-hour days and the 43-year-old Klinsmann insists his players focus solely on their work -- whether they are training, resting or studying -- without the distraction of mobile phone calls.
Adorned with buddhist statues, the refurbished performance centre has been designed by Klinsmann to "release positive energy" and contains areas for relaxation, rest, study and massage.
Despite Wednesday's boycott by 20 photographers from his first press conference due to the strict regulations imposed, Klinsmann's former critic Oliver Khan says the ex-Germany striker will help Bayern.
Former Germany captain Kahn retired from Bayern in May after 14 years at the German giants.
He was famously dropped by Klinsmann during the 2006 World Cup in favour of ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Jens Lehmann.
"He always tries to develop things, he likes to learn, he tests new things," said Kahn on the website Eurosport.de.
"I have confidence: he will pass his first test at a large club. In football, it is always necessary to bring news ideas."
And Kahn says he would like to meet Klinsmann and the new Bayern boss said on Wednesday: "Kahn is always welcome at the club after all he has done for Bayern."