- Klos's appeal to his Nurembergers: "Squeeze up"
Fan-Friendship aside. Miroslav Klose is hoping for his first win with 1. FC Nürnberg in their home game against FC Schalke 04 in the 2. Bundesliga. The last time the Franconians beat the Royal Blues in a competitive match was in March 2013, when they won 3-0 at home in the first division.
"I think it's fantastic that there's such a fan friendship," said former national team striker Klose ahead of Saturday's match (13:00 CET, Sky). "We want to keep the points here at some point."
Interruption for fan friendship?
Nürnberg spoiled their season opener last week despite leading 2-0, losing 2-3 to Karlsruhe. Schalke, on the other hand, won 5-1 against Eintracht Braunschweig. "We will continue to support Schalke," said Klose, referring to the fan friendship between the two clubs, "but maybe next week."
Klose praises Schalke's "very mature" football. Currently, captain Kenan Karaman appears particularly mature in the team, scoring twice against Braunschweig. "We know the quality, he's not predictable, he retrieves the balls from everywhere," Klose described the strengths of the offensive player.
"Everyone is looking forward to this game"
The strong start of Schalke should not unsettle the Franconians, however. Nürnberg, who have to do without striker Janni Serra, offensive player Benjamin Goller, and right-back Tim Handwerker, want to put on a show for their fans. "Everyone is looking forward to this game in a sold-out stadium," announced Klose. His players must "absorb" the atmosphere.
This could also apply to young talent Dustin Forkel, who was rewarded for his training performances with a brief appearance against Karlsruher SC. The 19-year-old offensive talent has now received his next reward: his first professional contract.
"We lost, but I saw how happy he was," Klose said about Forkel's appearance against KSC. "But what's most important for me is that he confirms these performances in training. He stepped it up a notch, and that's the right reaction."
"Despite the fan friendship with Schalke, Klose is aiming for a victory in the Second Bundesliga home game against FC Schalke 04."
"Following their strong start, Schalke will be a formidable opponent in the Second Bundesliga, but Nürnberg, with their new talent Dustin Forkel, is determined to put on a show in the Second Bundesliga."
