Kahn told Bild newspaper on Thursday he had originally planned to end his playing career and possibly move into management at Bayern Munich after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"But I get the feeling that I can still keep improving and that my body is in super shape," the 34-year-old said.

Kahn's contract as a player with Bayern runs to 2006 and includes an option to take over a management position with the club after that, possibly replacing commercial manager Uli Hoeness who is planning to retire in 2006.

Just last month Kahn said he would quit if he felt he was no longer competitive after he was criticised for several poor showings.

"I accept one percent of the criticism but I will not take the remaining 99 percent because it comes from people who have no idea what goalkeeping is about," the Bayern captain said.

"I will play only as long as I can put in top performances. If that was no longer the case, I would quit straight away."

Kahn, instrumental in Germany's run to last year's World Cup final, conceded 10 goals in his first six league games for Bayern and was criticised for making uncharacteristic blunders. Bayern have now let in 13 goals in 10 matches and are in fourth place, four points behind Bayer Leverkusen.

Timo Hildebrand of second-placed VfB Stuttgart has conceded just one goal in 10 matches.