Football League World
·19 August 2024
Norwich City never looked back after £7.6m German transfer agreement: View
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Football League World
·19 August 2024
Timm Klose had defensive prowess and was a leader in five seasons for the Canaries and put in some memorable performances
Timm Klose was a gem of a signing for Norwich City, bringing defensive prowess and leadership qualities to the Canaries backline in the five seasons he was at Carrow Road.
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 fee of £7.6 million, when Norwich were under Alex Neil.
Klose was key in Norwich's return to the Premier League in the 2018/19 season following the club's relegation in the season that he joined, as he brought in his experience from a Wolfsburg side that almost pipped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in 2015.
The side included the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Ivan Perišić and Bas Dost, and the Swiss played his part in Wolfsburg's achievement of returning to the Champions League after four seasons.
However, Klose's career came into life in his time at Norwich, making 128 appearances at the club and building a unity in Norwich's defence.
A centre-back who was smart, good with his feet and aggressive, was everything Klose prided himself on. He became a part of Norwich folklore with his performances from 2017-2019, the prime of his career at Carrow Road.
During this period, Daniel Farke was in charge and the two shared their ideology of German football and put it into practice through Norwich's success in controlling possession.
Klose got 17 caps as a Swiss international and brought his international pedigree into the Norwich team, with Farke describing him to 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 17/18 season, Klose told the Eastern Daily Press: "I want to be a leader this season. I want to show everyone they can lean on me, look at me when there are tough times – and that’s down to me to work, fight and show heart on the pitch."
This was following a fairly disappointing season, with Norwich eighth and conceding 69 goals, the third highest in that season. The 17/18 season wasn't much better, but the revival was right around the corner.
Klose changed his fortunes with an impressive 18/19 season, being hailed for some great moments, including a vital brace in a 2-1 win away to play-off pushers Nottingham Forest, which really kick-started the Canaries' title charge.
Partnering the likes of Ben Godfrey and Christoph Zimmermann, the Canaries smashed the competition and a certain Teemu Pukki had a 29-goal season.
The key takeaway was his leadership and the passion he had for the game. Even when struggling with injuries, Klose was always a part of that Norwich team.
If you asked any Norwich fan how they remember Timm Klose, they will always say THAT Ipswich goal in the disappointing season of 17/18 campaign.
Mick McCarthy's Ipswich thought they'd finally brought an end to their search for a win in the East Anglia derby after eight years of Norwich dominance, when Luke Chambers found the net on the 89th minute mark.
Klose had other ideas, powering home a header which made Carrow Road erupt in the 95th minute, and the Tractor Boys are still in the search for a win over their bitter rivals after 15 years. Despite a poor season, the game's importance meant so much more.
Leadership in abundance and a mentor to many in his years at Norwich, Klose won't be forgotten by the Carrow Road faithful, and it's safe to say they never looked back following his arrival with many a memorable moment.