Berlin - Bayern Munich coach Juergen Klinsmann is seeking damages from the Berlin daily taz newspaper following a photo mock-up of him showing in a crucifixion scene, his lawyers said Tuesday. The former Germany international was shown in an Easter edition of the newspaper being crucified on the cross.

In reference to the Monty Python film Life of Brian, in which a young Jewish man is mistaken for Jesus Christ, an accompanying headline read, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" - a song from the 1979 comedy.

"From Germany's superstar to Bayern's bogeyman," read a sub-heading.

Klinsmann has come under pressure at Bayern following a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League last week, a few days after losing 5-1 at Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga.

Lawyers for 44-year-old Klinsmann said they were seeking damages and an injunction against the newspaper to prevent further publication. (dpa)