Klinsmann emphasised the importance of the 23-year-old Germany international to Bayern and revealed he would give Podolski more opportunities in his favoured central striking role next season.

He told the club's official website: "I helped him a lot when I was in charge of the national team, and I know him well as a character and a sportsman.

"I know how to deal with him, and I think we'll get a great deal out of him in the future.

"Lukas has two years to go on his contract with us, so there are no questions to be answered. I'll go to great lengths to make sure Lukas feels happy at Bayern".

In contrast to Germany coach Joachim Low, Klinsmann added he is unlikely to deploy Podolski on the left wing.

He said: "I don't regard Lukas as a wide player, but as a central striker, probably playing off a target man, but definitely in the centre.

"He scores his goals in and around the box, not from the left wing. I'm determined to bring him up to the next level."