Rummenigge: We had to act over Klinsmann

(GETTY IMAGES)

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists the club had no option but to axe Jurgen Klinsmann.

The weekend defeat at Schalke left Bayern struggling to successfully defend their Bundesliga title and they are still reeling from their humiliating Champions League defeat to Barcelona earlier in the month.

Rummenigge admitted: "This was a really tough decision, but we had to do something. The recent results are simply unacceptable for a team like Bayern Munich.

"The way things were going at the club and our style of play left us no other option than to part company with Jurgen.

"There are still five crucial games to be played and we had to take our responsibility."

Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Low has leapt to the defence of Klinsmann.

Low was number two to Klinsmann for two years leading up to the 2006 World Cup and he believes the former international striker has been treated 'inhumanely' in recent weeks.

"The past few weeks have been inhumane," he said.

"All the criticism has been on one person and it's been massive.

"But Jurgen has shown his strength, he has always been loyal to the club and the team. That shows a strong character.

"He stayed true to his principles and he didn't pillory the team. He never put the blame onto others."

Elsewhere, Marseille coach Erik Gerets has moved quickly to quash speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Bayern.

Former Belgium international Gerets was an early candidate to take over at the Allianz Arena but, when asked about the possibility, said: "If I say no, you will take me as a fool. I even watched my phone this morning but I have not received a text.

"But no, I will not go to Bayern!

“We (Marseille) are fighting for a title so, if I don't answer, it is for a reason."