Munich - Bayern Munich coach Juergen Klinsmann predicts the worldwide financial crisis will have repercussions for football and could lead to a fall in transfer fees and players' wages.

In an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa, the former Germany coach meanwhile predicted Hoffenheim - the season's surprise team in the Bundesliga - could establish themselves as a long-term rival to the German champions and make a mark on European football.

Promoted Hoffenheim could be the sort of club Bayer Leverkusen have come in German football over the years, Klinsmann said. Whereas Bayer Leverkusen are supported by the Bayer AG chemical and pharmaceutical giant, Hoffenheim is benefiting from the backing of billionaire investor Dietmar Hopp.

"There is nothing negative about this. He used to play for the club, is a football person through and through and has helped the club on its feet. That's great," he said.

"Because they are working with a long-term concept they have the potential to establish themselves right at the top of German football and perhaps even next year be playing European football."

Bundesliga leaders Hoffenheim visit second-placed Bayern Munich on Friday evening in a top-of-the-table game. Hoffenheim have a three-point lead over Klinsmann's side, who are unbeaten in nine league games after an indifferent start to the season.

Klinsmann predicted the worldwide financial crisis would "really hit" football in the coming months.

"The first signs are in England where there are big question marks over owners and investors. If thousand of jobs are threatened in Italy at Fiat then it will affect Juventus at some point," he said.

"Chelsea are making radical cuts and savings. There will always be exceptions such as Manchester City right now where the money comes from a different oil source.

"There will be a new definition of the market, also concerning transfers and wages."

Klinsmann said he did not believe players' wages would collapse but there would be a rethink by clubs.

Top players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter Milan or Kaka at AC Milan would always be able to command top wages "but clubs will be increasingly thinking, 'this far and no further.' It will be a fascinating process."

Klinsmann denied Bayern could be "a winner" in any financial upheaval.

"Bayern is healthy and has a solid base. There will be no winner but there will be a new constellation. Players you couldn't think of buying now in January because they cost 20 or 30 million euros (38 million dollars) will perhaps be available for a far lower price in June," he said.

Klinsmann, who stepped down as Germany coach after the 2006 World Cup, said he never had the slightest doubt that taking on the Bayern job was the right decision, even after the appointment was questioned when the side got off to a poor start this season.

"No, never, because the bumpy start was understandable," he said.

"The effects of the European Championships, the (Franck) Ribery injury, our innovations - I knew there would be times when I would be knocked but you have to get through it.

"Everything was calm within (at Bayern) even if the wind was blowing outside. Now the work is paying off and the team is finding its bearings internationally.

"The Champions League is the yardstick in football. Our great aim is to reach the final again at some point. But everything has to fit into place."

Klinsmann said that despite the need for results he would not be trapped into thinking that "only the next game counts."

"I am expected to develop things in the medium and long term. Of course, that's easier when you have success," he said.

"When you lose 5-2 at home to Bremen and then lose the next game to Hanover you have to make sure that you immediately hit back without losing sight of the next season and the season after that. This balancing act is the greatest challenge."