Klinsmann to Critics: Tell it to my Face

Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann has rounded on the critics who have accused him of neglecting his duties by constantly jetting back to his United States home and called for them to speak to him in person rather than using the media.

"I am in Germany twice a month and can explain things face to face," Klinsmann told Bild daily.

"I do not ask other people about their schedules. I am open to advice but it should be given to me straight not via the media."

I think about Germany 24/7, says coach

Klinsmann came in for more criticism after missing the Bayern Munich-Schalke 04 title clash on Saturday but insisted he was constantly thinking of how to improve the national team. "I am thinking about the development of the national team twenty four seven whether I am in Germany, the United States or somewhere else," added Klinsmann.

Klinsmann, 41, has made a habit of jetting back to his California home after international matches but rubbished claims he was not making time to see Bundesliga officials.

"The meeting with the managers has not been put off because of me but simply because they can not meet on Wednesday or Thursday," he said. "I have said before that I would delay my flight back to the States and hang around for one or two days."

Ballack defends his boss

While the media and club managers have the knives out for a 1990 World Cup hero with West Germany, German international captain Michael Ballack offered some support.

"Of course criticism is fair after the recent results but Klinsmann does his own thing," Ballack told television channel ARD. "He is responsible for putting a good team on the pitch and in the main he has done that."

Klinsmann succeeded Rudi Völler after the Euro 2004 finals when Germany crashed out of the competition without winning a single match.