Miroslav Klose is a candidate to become the next manager of Lazio, should current boss Maurizio Sarri depart the club, according to reports in Italy. The former Germany international has impressed in his role at 2. Bundesliga side Norimberga, revitalizing the club and developing young talent.
Klose took charge of Norimberga in a difficult situation, with the team bottom of the table after five matchdays last season. He guided them to an eighth-place finish, a significant improvement given pre-season expectations. Norimberga boasted the youngest squad in all of German professional football, with an average age of just 23, and have recently sold several promising players to Premier League clubs, including Tzimas to Brighton for €25 million and Jeltsch to Stuttgart for €10 million.
Lazio are considering Klose as they seek a coach capable of nurturing young players, a priority for the club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani. Fabiani’s own future at the club is currently uncertain, which could further elevate Klose’s prospects. Lazio president Claudio Lotito is already familiar with Klose’s professional qualities, having previously considered him for the role.
Discussions between Lotito and Sarri are scheduled to take place in the coming days to determine the future of the current manager. Should Sarri leave, the appointment of a new head coach will become a key issue. Klose has previously expressed a desire to manage in Italy, particularly at Lazio, where he spent five seasons as a player. He has also demonstrated tactical flexibility, deploying various formations throughout his time at Norimberga.
During his time at Norimberga, Klose also helped develop Italian forward Mohamed Ali Zoma, who scored 14 goals in the league this season. While Klose recently signed a contract extension with Norimberga, it is believed to include a release clause. His success in developing young players and implementing a dynamic style of play could make him an attractive option for Lazio as they look to rebuild and compete in Serie A.
