Miroslav Klose has revealed he always thought about going into coaching. The 38-year-old – the all-time leading marksman for Germany and at the FIFA World Cup™, with 71 and 16 goals respectively – hung up his boots earlier this year, having last played for Lazio, and was recently made part of Joachim Low’s backroom staff.
“I’ve thought about it for a long time,” said Klose. “During my playing days, I was always thinking about tactics and playing styles. Now I've decided to get a new view on football as a possible coach in the future.
"I’m really happy to be again a part of this big family, and to have the chance to work here. How many people get the chance to work with a national team straight away? To have the chance to work with a World Cup-winning coach is special, and not everybody gets that opportunity. I want to soak up as much as possible that will help me in the future.
"I've been accepted wonderfully into the coaching team. They integrated with me from the first second and it's a big honour for me."
He is a role model for the younger players and he can be a big help with the offensive side of things. Positioning and movement.
Klose’s first appearance on the Germany bench in a coaching capacity will come away to San Marino on Friday in Russia 2018 qualifying.
"We’re happy to have Miroslav Klose with us,” said Low. “He is a role model for the younger players and he can be a big help with the offensive side of things. Positioning and movement. He can analyse our attackers and offer them some tips.”
Low then joked: “And before someone asks, if anyone gets injured, Miro can still play!”
Germany lead Group C in European qualifying, two points above Azerbaijan and five clear of third-placed Northern Ireland. San Marino are bottom on zero points.
The Germans have played the Sammarinese twice, winning 13-0 away and 6-0 at home, both in UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying. Klose scored twice in the first game.
The aerial specialist is one of only three players to have scored three or more goals at three World Cups, along with compatriot Jurgen Klinsmann and Brazil’s Ronaldo.