Jonathan Klinsmann has been backed by Rune Jarstein. AFP PHOTO / Tobias SCHWARZ

Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein has said Jonathan Klinsmann could not have made a better choice than joining the club despite recent criticism from goalkeeping coach Zsolt Petry.

Petry last week urged Klinsmann, the son of former Germany captain and U.S. coach Jurgen, to improve his work ethic and claimed there was "too much American" in him.

But Jarstein, 33, backed the U.S. youth international and said he was still learning.

"He's a good lad, who has taken a good development path," Norway international Jarstein told kicker.

"But he's not the finished product yet, and there could not be anything better for him than working with Zsolt Petry.

"Zsolt's a top coach and very honest. And if there is criticism, it will improve you."

Also last week, Hertha coach Pal Dardai dismissed speculation that Klinsmann could be on his way out of the club just a year after arriving from the University of California.

"He does a good job and needs to develop bit by bit," Dardai said.

Klinsmann has so far made just one appearance for Hertha's senior team, in a Europa League game in December.