Martin Vasquez named Klinsmann’s number two

Jürgen Klinsmann, named Bayern head coach from 1 July 2008, has made an important first appointment to his future coaching team: Martin Vasquez will join the former Germany boss in Munich as assistant coach, taking up his new job on the day Klinsmann arrives.

The 44-year-old Vasquez, born in the Mexican town of Jalisco on 24 December 1963, played professionally in Mexico (Guadalajara, FC Puebla, CD Veracruz, CF Atlas) and the USA (Tampa Bay Mutiny, San Jose Clash), earning international caps for both countries. He holds an American coaching licence and has worked for clubs in both Mexico and the USA up to now.

Driving force

“I met Martin in 2003 when he was coaching an elite football camp in the USA,“ Klinsmann commented, “I was impressed by his positive leadership style and recommended him to Los Angeles Galaxy. He could have accepted a head coaching position in the MLS, but I’m delighted he’s chosen instead to join me as my assistant at Bayern.“

Klinsmann described Vasquez as a “constant driving force, with great passion and commitment to his players.” Vasquez, who moved to Los Angeles when he was 12, has most recently held the assistant coach position at MLS club Chivas USA. “Martin speaks perfect English and Spanish, and has already started a German language course,“ Klinsmann advised.