Rummenigge criticises Klinsmann's tinkering

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has reignited Germany's goalkeeping row by criticising the rotation policy of national coach Juergen Klinsmann.

Rummenigge said Klinsmann's plan to rotate the number one shirt between Bayern's Oliver Kahn and Arsenal's Jens Lehmann until the 2006 World Cup would have a negative effect.

"It looks a bit strange in my eyes," Rummenigge said. "Kahn has proved in the past very often that he is the no.1 - not only in Germany."

Kahn was Germany's undisputed number one keeper and captain under previous coach Rudi Voeller, to the annoyance of Lehmann who argued he made fewer errors.

Klinsmann stripped Kahn of the captaincy after taking over in 2004 and said the players would have to prove who was Germany's best. They have taken turns in goal since.

Rummenigge believes it is needless tinkering.

"I don't know for what reason Klinsmann opened that competition in goal," he said. "If you remember what Kahn did in Japan in 2002, it was more than extraordinary."

Kahn was named player of the tournament after helping Germany reach the World Cup final in Japan.

"I don't see it as positive," Rummenigge said. "If you do it in attack or in defence it can work but a goalkeeper needs self-confidence. He's a special part of the team."

Rummenigge is also confident Bayern will be able to strike a new deal with Michael Ballack, whose contract runs out at the end of next season.

"It is quite clear a player of Michael's quality has big appeal in the market," Rummenigge said.

"But we are convinced we can find a deal with him."