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Germany captain Michael Ballack has tipped Stefan Effenberg to become the next coach of Bayern Munich coach if Ottmar Hitzfeld leaves at the end of the season.

“Effenberg has expert knowledge, he is identified with the club and he would come to the job fresh,” Ballack told Sueddeutsche Zeitung magazine.

“He’s a strong personality and he carries natural authority.”

Effenberg had two spells with Bayern as a player and led the club to their Champions League triumph in 2001. When he left in 2002, Bayern signed Ballack as his direct replacement.

Although Effenberg has no experience as a coach Ballack believes he would be a natural for the role.

“Juergen Klinsmann didn’t have any experience before he became Germany coach,” Ballack said.

Hitzfeld returned for a second spell as Bayern coach in place of Felix Magath last month. He has yet to confirm whether he will continue in the role next season.

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