Germany and Bayern Munich icon Lothar Matthaus has said on Thursday he is ready to take control of his former club from next season succeeding caretaker manager Ottmar Hitzfeld. "I'm ready and qualified to coach a team like Bayern, I know Bundesliga football quite well, and I've already played for Bayern," Matthaus told German magazine Bild. Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer prepared a shortlist of candidates for the position, starting from next season following the sack of Felix Magath. Beckenbauer has recommended Bernd Schuster, currently in charge of Spanish club Getafe, to take over ahead of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Dutchman Guus Hiddink. Matthaus, however, was backed by Hitzfeld, who will stay for the next six months. "I trust Lothar's ability to lead the team; I expect a great future for him as a manger." Bayern are currently fourth in the league with 37 points, 11 behind leaders Schalke. Matthaus had spells at club level with Partizan Belgrade and Atletico Paranaense of Brazil before having national team experience as Hungary manager. The 45-year-old is now in charge of Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.
