The Swiss stalwart joined the club from East Anglia in the January transfer window of the 2015/16 season from VFL Wolfsburg for a reported sum of £7.6 million, whilst Norwich were managed by Alex Neil.
Klose was instrumental in Norwich’s return to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season, following the club’s relegation in the season he signed, as he brought experience from a Wolfsburg side that nearly defeated Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title in 2015.
The team featured Kevin De Bruyne, Ivan Perišić, and Bas Dost, who helped Wolfsburg return to the Champions League after four seasons.
Klose’s career took off during his tenure at Norwich, when he made 128 appearances and helped to construct a cohesive defence.
Norwich never looked back after the Klose agreement.
Klose prided himself on being a sharp, quick-footed, and aggressive centre back. His efforts at Carrow Road between 2017 and 2019 cemented his place in Norwich legend.
During this time, Daniel Farke was in charge, and the two shared their philosophy of German football, which they put into practice with Norwich’s success in controlling possession.
Klose earned 17 caps for Switzerland and brought his international experience to the Norwich team, with Farke describing him on their club website as “a full international and a big leader within the group, like one of our captains in the dressing room.”
Before the 2017-18 season, Klose told the Eastern Daily Press, “I want to be a leader this season. I want to show everyone that they can rely on me and turn to me when things go tough – and it is up to me to work hard, fight and show heart on the pitch.”
This came after a dismal season, with Norwich finishing eighth and surrendering 69 goals, the third highest total of the season. The 2017/18 season was not much better, but the revival was just around the corner.
Klose’s fortunes turned with an amazing 18/19 season, where he was praised for some outstanding performances, including a crucial brace in a 2-1 win away to play-off contenders Nottingham Forest, which sparked the Canaries’ title charge.
The Canaries dominated the competition with players such as Ben Godfrey and Christoph Zimmermann, and Teemu Pukki scored 29 goals.
The main impression was his leadership and enthusiasm for the game. Even despite dealing with injuries, Klose remained a member of the Norwich team.
A time to remember for Klose.
If you ask any Norwich supporter how they remember Timm Klose, they will always mention that Ipswich goal from the terrible 2017/18 season.
Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich felt they had finally won the East Anglia derby following eight years of Norwich supremacy when Luke Chambers scored in the 89th minute.
Klose had other ideas, smashing home a header in the 95th minute to send Carrow Road into a frenzy, and the Tractor Boys are still looking for a win over their bitter rivals 15 years later. Despite a disappointing season, the game’s significance meant so much more.
Klose, who was a mentor to many throughout his time at Norwich, will not be forgotten by the Carrow Road crowd, and it’s safe to say they never looked back after his arrival, as he provided many memorable moments.
Be the first to comment