Miroslav Klose, the 46-year-old trainer of 1. FC Nürnberg, has set his sights high, expressing his ambition to coach a Champions League club in the future. In a recent interview with the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), Klose stated, "Of course, I would like to coach a Champions League club someday; that would be great. I would be lying if I said it wasn't a goal." This dream, however, is not something he intends to rush. He emphasized the importance of his current role at Nürnberg, indicating that he is in no hurry to leave.
Klose's commitment to Nürnberg is evident as he noted, "But whether that happens in three, five, or ten years, I know that I will follow my path. I have already emphasized several times that it fits very well between FCN and me." Currently, the team is only three points behind the promotion-relegation play-off spot, and Klose is focused on ensuring a stable season for the club.
Since taking over as head coach in the summer of 2024, Klose has signed a two-year contract with Nürnberg, and he has made it clear that he aims to bring joy back to the fans. He reflected on the challenges of the season, stating, "Our goal before the season was to have a calm season. And it has been more than calm now." As the season progresses, Klose's focus remains on maintaining the team's performance and possibly aiming for promotion to the Bundesliga.
Despite the pressures of coaching, Klose finds fulfillment in his work. He remarked, "I fall into bed dead tired every evening (laughs), but I can't describe how much fun it is." His passion for the game and his role as a coach shines through as he continues to develop young talent within the team.
Klose, a former world-class striker who played for clubs such as 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Lazio Rome, has a wealth of experience to draw upon in his coaching career. He has previously served as an assistant coach for the German national team and worked with youth teams at Bayern. His journey as a coach is still relatively young, and he is determined to carve out a successful path.
As he looks to the future, Klose remains optimistic about his current position. He stated, "I am fresh and feel good. I am extremely happy as a coach here." With his eyes set on the Champions League, Klose is committed to nurturing his players and fostering a winning culture at Nürnberg.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Klose expressed hope for the team's performance. If they secure a win against Regensburg on March 30, 2025, the gap to the relegation play-off spot could narrow further. Klose's diplomatic approach to questions about his future reflects his focus on the present and the immediate goals for his team.
In the midst of his ambitious aspirations, Klose acknowledges the challenges that come with coaching at this level. He candidly admitted, "At first, I may have exaggerated my meticulousness a bit in Nürnberg, but it was about developing a shared culture." His dedication to ensuring that players remain attentive during training sessions illustrates his commitment to their growth and success.
As the team prepares for upcoming matches, Klose's leadership is crucial in maintaining morale and focus. He recognizes the importance of quick training successes as part of the club's identity, even as they navigate the realities of being in the second division. Klose's vision for the future of 1. FC Nürnberg is clear: he wants to see the club return to the Bundesliga and eventually compete at the highest level.
With each match, Klose's determination to achieve his goals becomes more apparent. He is not only focused on his personal ambitions but also on the collective success of the team. As he continues to lead 1. FC Nürnberg, Klose's journey as a coach is one to watch, with hopes of one day realizing his dream of coaching in the Champions League.
