Hamburg - Bayern Munich have steadily improved since the start of the season and can play a major role in Germany and Europe if they can keep up the momentum, coach Juergen Klinsmann said.

"If we play consistent from the first match onwards then we will become German champions and will go a long way in the Champions League," Klinsmann said in an interview with the German football federation (DFB) website published on Monday.

"If every player gives it all he has and contributes to the team we will win a title or two. The team plays faster and more attractive football (than last season) and we believe that it can do even better. The buildup gives us reason for hope."

Title holders Bayern are tied on points with league leaders Hoffenheim as the second half of the season opens this week.

Munich visit VfB Stuttgart for a German cup tie on Tuesday and open Bundesliga action on Friday night at third-placed SV Hamburg.

Their next Champions League date is a round of 16 tie in February with Portugal's Sporting Lisbon, with the club seeking to recapture Europe's top prize it last won in 2001.

Klinsmann said he didn't mind such tough domestic tests after the seven-week hibernation period.

"Of course things could be easier but such games are a good indicator because we will know where we stand. I am convinced that we can have a successful start if all players are fit."

Munich had a stuttering start into the season but improved in the final weeks before the winter break.

Looking at the team led by French star Franck Ribery, Klinsmann expressed his disappointment with Germany forward Lukas Podolski who returns to Cologne in summer after never being able to challenge first-choice players Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose.

"It's a fact that Lukas couldn't deal with the situation in Munich of being the forward number three," said Klinsmann, who nonetheless expressed his hope that Podolski will regain his form in Cologne.

The former Germany coach Klinsmann recharged his batteries during a two-week family holiday in California as he admitted his first months as club coach had been very demanding.

"It was very intense. The life of a club coach is very different to that of a national team coach. But I can say after half a year that my decision to go to Munich was the right one," he said. (dpa)