Beckenbauer backs Klinsmann claims

Franz Beckenbauer believes former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann should seize the chance to manage Chelsea if the opportunity arises.

Media reports have linked Klinsmann, 42, with Chelsea. Current boss Jose Mourinho is determined to see out his contract which has three years left to run.

Mourinho and billionaire club owner Roman Abramovich shared a victory embrace in the Old Trafford directors’ suite after Chelsea booked a place in the FA Cup final with a victory over Blackburn on Sunday, suggesting that any differences there might have been between the pair had been settled.

Nevertheless Klinsmann, who led Germany to the World Cup semi-finals last summer, has been linked with the Stamford Bridge job in the press and Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as a player and manager with West Germany, believes the former Tottenham striker would “fit” at the west London club if he is prepared to give up his California home.

Beckenbauer told The Sun: “Jurgen and Chelsea fits but it won’t work if he tries to commute.

“Nevertheless if the chance arises for Jurgen he should grab it. At 42, he is a young man who can work at a top club.

“When Jurgen does a job he is engaging and energetic. He still enjoys great respect in England from his time at Tottenham.”