Bayern Munich spoke to Jurgen Klopp about appointing him as manager before they eventually decided on Jurgen Klinsmann, according to chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
Despite discussions with Klopp, who instead joined Borussia Dortmund from Mainz, Bayern opted for surprise pick Klinsmann to replace the retiring Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Klinsmann's tenure was unsuccessful and he was dismissed after nine months, with Rummenigge later calling it the worst decision of his career as a board member.
Klopp, who had resigned as Mainz boss after their failed attempt to get promoted back into the Bundesliga, was overlooked in favour of the former Tottenham striker despite Klinsmann having never managed a club side at that point.