Klose: ‘Hope to See Lazio in the Champions League’

Miroslav Klose reflected on his special time with Lazio, their fight for Champions League qualification and which coaches he learnt from in his playing career.

The former striker spent the final five years of his career with the Biancocelesti from 2011 to 2016, quickly becoming a fan favourite in the Italian capital for his professionalism and eye for goal.

During his time with Lazio, Klose scored 63 goals and provided 35 assists in 171 appearances, helping the team win the 2013 Coppa Italia, when they famously beat rivals Roma in the final.

After hanging up his boots, the 44-year-old German has moved into the world of coaching, spending time at Bayern Munich and SCR Altach.

Speaking to DAZN (via LazioNews24), Klose first looked back at his playing career in Italy and the relationship he has with the Lazio fans.

When I arrived in 2011, it was fantastic. Hearing the fans was special, every home game was a pleasure to play in front of them. They have always remained in my heart, I still have a good relationship with many fans, even Italian journalists.

Truly a pleasure to return to this city. I follow Italian football a lot. Napoli had a very good season. They have improved compared to when I played for Lazio.

You can see it’s a different football. Mentality, but also condition, strength. It wasn’t like that before, we struggled a lot.

He touched on the Biancocelesti’s fight for a top four finish and Champions League qualification.

I hope so. They’re still there, in the positions that matter. Immobile, Milinkovic-Savic, like many other players, are important.

You can see the coach’s hand, they play as a group. And this I believe is Lazio’s strength.

Finally, Klose touched on which coaches he learnt from during his playing career.

I’ve known many, and from all of them I’ve learned something. At Lazio I had Pioli, Inzaghi. There’s also Flick, there are many.

Tags Biancocelesti Champions League Italy Klose Lazio Miroslav Klose Rome Serie A UCL