Miroslav Klose has transformed FC Nuremberg into the youngest squad in the German second tier with an average age of 23.3 years, guiding them to second place in the table as they target a return to the Bundesliga.
Klose took charge of the historic club in 2024 after previous coaching stints with the national team, Bayern Munich, and Austrian side Rheindorf Altach. He previously served as an assistant to Hansi Flick at Bayern.
Nuremberg finished 10th and eighth in his first two seasons. They now sit second behind Hertha BSC as the joint-top scorers in the division.
“But we’re very brave in that respect.”
Seven of the 11 players with the most minutes this season are 22 or younger. That group includes top scorer Mohamed Ali Zoma, who has already been capped by Italy.
“Over the three years I’ve been here, we’ve made progress in how we assess young players and in the conversations we have about them,” Klose said to bbc.co.uk.
Seventeen-year-old midfielder Marc Kornwachs is another young talent receiving regular minutes. Klose noted that the teenager’s journey is ongoing.
“Now it’s about helping him become more consistent and establishing himself, while continuing to develop his game and take further steps forward,” Klose told bbc.co.uk.
The club’s youth coaches play a fundamental role in supplying talent to the senior setup. Klose aligned his approach with the club’s existing philosophy upon arrival.
“We benefit from this because our young players are getting opportunities in the first team, and everyone is paying attention to their development,” Klose told bbc.co.uk.
“These players are so talented that we have absolutely no hesitation in giving them opportunities, regardless of the scoreline,” Klose told bbc.co.uk.
