By Erik Kirschbaum

BERLIN, Dec 20 (Reuters) Franz Beckenbauer praised former Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann for shaking up the game, initiating fresh ideas and leading Germany to an unexpected third place at the World Cup in an end-of-year interview today.

Beckenbauer, 61, the head of Germany's World Cup organising committee told Sport Bild magazine he regretted Klinsmann's decision to quit at the end of the tournament -- even though from time to time he was one of his toughest critics.

''In my mind, the methods that he brought from the United States were good,'' said Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup for West Germany as a player in 1974 and coach in 1990.

''He brought in a fresh breeze, even if he upset a lot of people,'' added Beckenbauer, himself upset by some of Klinsmann's methods, but who, generally gave him his backing.

Germany were eliminated by Italy in extra time in the semi-final and beat Portugal in the match for third place, a big improvement over their humilating first round exit from Euro 2004.

''I regret that he stepped down because he started something that wasn't finished,'' Beckenbauer said. ''He wanted to win the World Cup and didn't accomplish that.'' RUFFLED FEATHERS Klinsmann, a member of Beckenbauer's 1990 World Cup winning team, upset traditionalists by hiring U.S. fitness trainers, a Swiss scout and adding a psychologist to his coaching staff.

He was also criticised for keeping his home in the United States and commuting to Germany.

When he left the job in July he had been in charge for 34 matches, winning 21, drawing seven and losing six. Although Germany failed to add to their three previous World titles, Klinsmann and his players were feted by thousands of fans in street parades after the finals ended.

On a separate matter, Beckenbauer said he agreed with FIFA president Sepp Blatter that there limits were needed on the number of foreign nationals playing in domestic leagues.

Blatter wants the re-introduction of overseas player limits and has suggested that a ratio of five locals to six foreigners or vice-versa would help re-define teams in terms of their own national identities.

Although the idea stands little chance of being ratified by the European Union, Beckenbauer said: ''That would be good for everyone and not only Germany.'' REUTERS PDS HT1950