Former Lazio striker Miroslav Klose reflected on his time at the club, his work with various coaches and his thoughts on Maurizio Sarri’s squad.
The 2014 World Cup winner spent the final five years of his career with the Biancocelesti from 2011 to 2016, making 171 appearances across all competitions for the club. In that time he became a fan favourite, scoring 63 goals and providing 35 assists. Klose is still fondly thought of in the Italian capital and the former striker clearly shares that affection.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera (via LazioNews24), Klose first revealed that his sons still support Lazio.
My sons support Lazio, even though now, at almost 18, they play with U19 Munich 1860. Being in Rome is exciting for me.
He reflected on the special memories made in the Italian capital.
Sometimes, scrolling through my photo gallery, I see photos of my time here. The bond I feel with the teammates with whom I won the Coppa Italia in 2013 against Roma remains, as do the emotions that resurface and the affection for the fans.
I’ve experienced moments I’ll never forget.
The 2014 World Cup winner spoke about his relationship with former Lazio coach Edy Reja.
For me it was something new and as a player my goal was to put the coach’s ideas into play. At the time I knew I was capable of doing more than what he asked of me.
I went to him and explained my ideas. But Reja wasn’t just tactics. He spoke to my face. He would speak openly and even brutally if he felt someone had done wrong. Humanly he gave a lot.
Klose also remembered his relationships with Stefano Pioli and Simone Inzaghi.
I did a week’s apprenticeship with Pioli. At Lazio with him there was great intensity already in training. And on the pitch you could see it as you see it now at Milan.
Inzaghi has improved a lot in tactics, in intensity, in his ability to read matches. Compared to the beginning he has made great strides. This stimulates me because it shows that you can improve.
He gave his thoughts on Inzaghi’s decision to leave Lazio for Inter last year.
Having reached a certain point, it’s understandable to look for new experiences. He didn’t make a decision against Lazio or Lazio fans. He thought about his career.
However, I think one must always be transparent. When you perceive that you want to change, it’s right to communicate it, to the club, to the players and to the fans. If you are clear, no one can get angry.
He touched on his current goals in the world of football.
To coach in the Bundesliga. But I don’t know how long it will take. Two years before I stopped playing I realised I wanted to stay in the game.
I would also like Serie A. I’ve been here five years, I enjoyed it. Working with you I think is a realistic goal for me.
Finally, Klose discussed the work of Sarri’s Lazio this season.
When I have time I watch them. I like Sarri a lot, I consider him an excellent coach. He gives interesting inputs to the team, who then put them on the pitch. But I don’t know him personally, so the judgement is partial.
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