Klose warns Lazio: ‘Kane has no mercy’

Former Lazio and Bayern Munich star Miroslav Klose warns Maurizio Sarri’s side that Harry Kane has ‘no mercy’ and admits he’d love to coach the Biancocelesti in the future.

Lazio will meet Kane’s Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16. The first leg is at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on February 14, while the second leg will be played in Germany on March 5.

Klose, a former striker for the Serie A side and Bundesliga giants previewed the game in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.

“Lazio’s defence must pay attention because Kean has no mercy. I thought he’d score 20 or 25 goals in his first season as he had to adapt, but he scored these goals in just a few months,” he said.

“The last time in Rome, Bayern won 4-1 but they could have scored more goals.”

Lazio are in a difficult situation as their latest 3-1 loss to Atalanta led to fans’ protests. Ultras blamed Claudio Lotito and coach Maurizio Sarri for this season’s poor results in Serie A but the President has insisted he won’t sack the coach.

“Against Atalanta, I didn’t see many duels in their defensive half,” noted Klose.

“This means Atalanta were free to build up. It’s not a good moment for Lazio. I can’t recognise Luis Alberto, for example. He often makes wrong decisions and he plays too far from the goal.

“Bayern Munich win games but are not able to dominate. Just to take three points, it’s not enough in Munich,” the ex-Germany international continued.

“There have been many injuries, but I am convinced the situation will improve. Lazio seem more troubled.”

How about Sarri and Thomas Tuchel? Do they have similar playing styles?

“They are similar even if a few details differentiate them,” Klose replied.

“Both coaches want to keep possession and keep tight distances between the lines. However, Bayern have a top-class team and I think my philosophy is close to theirs’.”

Klose retired in 2016 and had been serving as SCR Altach’s head coach in the Austrian first division from July 2022 until March last year. The 45-year-old would love to return to the dugout as soon as possible.

“I’d like to start immediately. As a player, you have many options, but as a coach, you have to wait for the right opportunity and I’ve been waiting for a while,” he said.

“It is an advantage to know the club. Inzaghi was my coach at Lazio and he knew the club perfectly. I’d love to coach Lazio as well, but what counts is the feeling you have with the club while talks are ongoing.”