Created on 16-07-2008 at 00:00 AM
Miroslav Klose was not intending to use the equipment when he mounted an exercise bike in the new performance centre on Monday. He placed his feet on the pedals, but only in a pose for photographers. Like all the club's Euro 2008 stars, the striker is officially on vacation until Thursday, but he dropped in at the Säbener Strasse three days early. “I had an appointment with the physios,” the tanned and relaxed player explained to fcbayern.de.
Klose was at club headquarters on Monday for vaccinations rather than training. “I'm glad I still have a couple of days to recover,” he declared. "We had a wonderful family holiday on Sardinia. We all really enjoyed it." However, the goal-getter revealed, even while sunning himself in the Mediterranean, he had not quite put his Euro 2008 experiences behind him.
Lone striker
Germany's defeat in the European championship final is still gnawing away at Klose's insides. “Once you make it to the final, you obviously want to win,” he opined. Disappointment at the 1-0 defeat to Spain was still a more powerful emotion than pride in his country's achievement. “I've not quite worked it out of my system," he confessed.
Neither is the striker entirely happy with his personal performance. “I wouldn't have minded a goal or two more,” he said, although Germany's switch to a 4-5-1 system with Klose as a lone striker had made life “a little more difficult for me”, he felt. “The tactical switch definitely put me at a disadvantage. I had fewer chances.”
Twin strikers at FCB
Jürgen Klinsmann sympathises with his centre-forward. “The switch to 4-5-1 left Miro Klose out on a limb, it was really tough for him,” the new Bayern coach declared. Klose can expect to play alongside a strike partner for his club, as Klinsmann has already stated his strong preference for a 4-4-2 formation.
The new boss's statement will have been music to Klose's ears. Nor is he upset at Klinsmann's declared preference for Lukas Podolski as a striker rather than a midfielder. “Lukas played up front last year as well. He had an outstanding European championship. I hope he continues to deliver at Bayern.”
Full power from Thursday
Together with the remaining Euro 2008 stars, the pair officially report back for training on Thursday. Klose will take to the fitness room in the new performance centre, and not just posing for photographs. He is ready to pedal hard, both physically and metaphorically.