Nuremberg, Germany – After months of searching, 1. FC Nürnberg appears to be closing in on a new assistant coach to support manager Miroslav Klose. The club has been without a permanent second in command since Jens Bauer departed in October, with Dominik Schmitt filling the role on an interim basis. Now, reports suggest Klose is considering a familiar face to bolster his backroom staff.
The Search for a New Voice
The departure of Jens Bauer left a void in Klose’s coaching setup, one the club acknowledged wouldn’t be immediately filled. Schmitt stepped in to provide support, but the intention, as Klose stated, was always to find a long-term solution. For Nürnberg supporters, the uncertainty surrounding the assistant coach position has lingered, especially as the team navigates a challenging season in the 2. Bundesliga.
Slaven Skeledzic: A Potential Return
According to the Nürnberger Nachrichten, Slaven Skeledzic has emerged as a leading candidate for the role. Klose himself confirmed the club is in discussions with potential candidates, stating, “We are in talks, that can happen, yes,” when asked about a possible appointment by the end of the upcoming international break in March.
A History with Klose
Skeledzic, 54, brings a wealth of experience to the table, including a previous working relationship with Klose. He most recently had a brief stint with Bayernliga side Türkgücü München, leaving after only four games. Prior to that, he served as an assistant coach at SCR Altach and, crucially, within the youth setup at FC Bayern, working alongside Klose.
Skeledzic detailed his role as Head of Individualization at the Bayern Campus in a 2022 podcast appearance, explaining, “It’s about improving the individual player… My main task is: what does the individual player need to establish himself with our professionals?” This focus on individual player development aligns with modern coaching philosophies and could be a valuable asset for Nürnberg.
A Harmonious Partnership
Their initial collaboration came at the U17 level of FC Bayern from 2018 to 2020. Skeledzic spoke highly of his time working with Klose, stating, “I learned a lot from Miro: playing philosophy, training philosophy. We adapted very well to each other. We already had the same playing and training philosophy.” He described the partnership as “extremely harmonious” and even predicted Klose would “cause a sensation” as a head coach.
The relationship wasn’t a one-way street. Skeledzic also contributed his own expertise, offering insights into tactical approaches and opponent analysis. “We looked at how we see pressing? Different game principles. A common clear picture of how we aim for to play football,” he explained, illustrating the collaborative exchange with the 2014 World Cup winner. Klose valued Skeledzic’s input on training session design and preparing for opponents, noting the valuable contributions he made.
A Third Time’s the Charm?
The professional connection between Klose and Skeledzic wasn’t limited to Bayern. The pair reunited at SCR Altach in the summer of 2022, with Skeledzic stating at the time, “For me, the question wasn’t whether I would go with Miro or not, but when and where. It is a special privilege to work so closely with this person, this personality and this living football legend.” Though, the duo were relieved of their duties at Altach in March 2023.
Now, a move to the Max-Morlock-Stadion could present a third opportunity for Klose and Skeledzic to collaborate. Skeledzic’s recent experience is limited to his short spell at Türkgücü München, but Klose’s willingness to consider him suggests a strong belief in their shared coaching principles and potential for success. While the extent of current discussions remains unclear, Klose’s comments indicate the club is actively pursuing a candidate and nearing a decision.
The 1. FC Nürnberg faithful will be hoping this reunion can provide the stability and tactical guidance needed to climb the 2. Bundesliga table. The club currently sits in a mid-table position, and a strong coaching setup could be pivotal in their pursuit of promotion.
Nürnberg’s next match is scheduled for [insert date and opponent here – verify via official 2. Bundesliga schedule], and fans will be eager to see if Klose has finalized his coaching staff by then. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story.
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