Klinsmann rules out move to China

German soccer legend Jurgen Klinsmann has ruled out coaching in China any time soon.

The 53-year-old, whose coaching CV boasts stints as manager of his country's national team, the United States and Bayern Munich, has been linked with jobs in China on numerous occasions.

However, he says family commitments mean the prospect of a Chinese move does not appeal, at least "not right now".

"Living in America and still having a young child there, it makes no sense (to coach in China)," said the 53-year-old at the French League Cup final on Saturday in Bordeaux, where his former team Monaco lost 3-0 to Paris Saint-Germain thanks to an Edinson Cavani brace and another strike from Kylian Mbappe.

"But I admire what's going on in China. I know some players and coaches joining it. China is investing a lot of money in the development of the sport, which is very important. I think there are many things to come in the future."

As well as France, Klinsmann's illustrious playing career also took him to the top leagues in his homeland (with Stuttgart and Bayern), Italy (Inter Milan and Sampdoria) and England (Tottenham Hotspur).

And he reckons adapting to each country's culture is a vital element in succeeding abroad.

"I was very lucky and privileged as I was given the opportunity to play in four different leagues," he said. "The main aspect of being successful in different countries is to adapt to the country.

"When the player goes to China, he has to adapt to Chinese culture and people. When I went to Italy, I had to adapt to the Italian style.

"It's something that you really live inside. You have to feel like, 'I want to be here', and learn about people wherever you go. Only when you adapt to the culture of the country that you play in will you have success. If you are not feeling to be a part of the country, then you will struggle.

"You have to try it, and I love it. The most important thing for your success in the place where you go is to adapt to that culture and mentality that you are privileged to live it. It's not easy."

Klinsmann, who won the World Cup with West Germany as a player in 1990, expects his defending champion country to at least reach the semifinals of this summer's tournament in Russia.

"It's always the same discussion before the World Cup," he said. "You name big countries like Brazil and Argentina from South America, and have European powerhouses like Germany, Spain and France. England are also a very good team.

"You always have five, six or seven big names because they all have the quality to go to the end of the tournament.

"It's down to the team itself and players whether they can make it happen or not. Germany will always be in the top four at the minimum unless there is a big, big disappointment. They have a lot of good young players, similar to France.

"It will be an exciting tournament."

Xinhua