Klinsmann denies Toni rift

(GETTY IMAGES)

Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann has played down suggestions that Italy international Luca Toni is unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena.

Toni has struggled to recapture last season's form and was far from content when he was substituted with 20 minutes to go during last weekend's 3-1 win against Borussia Dortmund.

Klinsmann is unaware of any problems with his striker though, saying: "I am completely fine about Toni's annoyance.

"It is fine for him to be angry. He is sure of his place in the team and we don't want any discussions about Luca."

Meanwhile, Klinsmann is refusing to under-estimate Sporting Lisbon who his side meet in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The former Germany coach said: "We're aiming high in the Champions League, but the knockout matches are always knife-edge affairs.

"They all start 50-50 and can be decided in the blink of an eye, maybe from a corner or free-kick.

"We've had Sporting Lisbon watched a couple of times. They're a really good team with excellent individuals, and they're fighting for the title in Portugal.

"They'll be a tough nut to crack, but I believe we can crack it. If we make it to the next stage, we'll be up against the biggest names."

Meanwhile, Lebanon international Roda Antar's Koln career appears to be over after he walked out on the club.

The 28-year-old, who made 15 Bundesliga starts for the club in the first half of the season, disappeared after holding what were supposed to be clear-the-air talks with club officials.

Sporting director Michael Meier said: "(Head coach) Christoph Daum and I had a lengthy discussion with Roda Antar and his advisor, during which we again made it clear that Koln needs him.

"We let Roda know that, if he gives it his all, he's an important player for us.

"We gave him two choices. Either he commits himself fully to the team, or he turns his back on it. The fact that he didn't come to training clearly means he has taken the latter option.

"With an important game against Karlsruhe coming up, it's essential to be fully focussed on that, rather than on the interests of an individual player."