Klose: ‘The Bayern DNA has always been in me’

Disappointment gives way to anticipation ahead of a new challenge. Miroslav Klose was back on the pitch just five days after Germany’s bitter exit from the the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 40-year-old started his new job as U17 coach at FC Bayern on Monday. In his interview with fcbayern.com, Klose talks about his first impressions and his affinity with FCB.

The interview with Miroslav Klose

fcbayern.com: Mr Klose, you were the striker coach for the national team at the World Cup in Russia. After such a negative experience is it easy to take on a new challenge so soon?
Klose: “Of course, the plan was completely different with the national team - it was a disappointing performance. I spent a day and a half at home with my family where I was able to work through it all. Now I’m really looking forward to the new challenge as U17 coach at FC Bayern.”

fcbayern.com: What are your first impressions of the team and the Campus?
Klose: “I visited the Campus once or twice before the World Cup and I watched the lads in games to get a look at them. Now it’s time to kick on. I want to get to know the players in each training session. The Campus is simply fantastic. FC Bayern can be rightly proud of what they’ve set up here.”

fcbayern.com: How are you approaching your new role as U17 coach?
Klose: “It’s primarily about getting to know how to deal with each individual player. At the same time, the lads have to get used to me too, of course.”

fcbayern.com: What do you, or can you, pass on to the youth players as a former world class striker?
Klose: “Of course, I’ve picked up a lot over the course of my playing career, the past two years with the DFB and the various coaching courses. I’m now trying to translate that onto the pitch and pass it on to the lads. We’ll have to wait and see how quickly I can put it into practice. I do feel positive about it.“

fcbayern.com: How helpful is it that you had four successful years as a player at FCB?
Klose: “The Bayern DNA has always been in me. After my time in Rome, I returned to Munich with my family. It’s a fantastic city and we really feel at home here. And it’s even better now I’ve got the chance to work as a coach at FC Bayern.”