By Peter Weis@PeterVicey

Sky links Klose with Lautern trainer position, Schuster thanks fans for "incredible" support

Sky Germany is currently reporting that 1. FC Kaiserslautern are considering brining in German footballing legend Miroslav Klose as their next head-coach. 

Recently fired trainer Dirk Schuster, meanwhile, has released a goodbye statement directly addressed at the loyal FCK supporters. 
Fritz-Walter-Stadion.
Fritz-Walter-Stadion.Photo: Kandschwar, CC BY-SA 3.0
The sensational sacking of 1. FC Kaiserslautern trainer Dirk Schuster earlier this morning leaves the German footballing world wondering who exactly will be place in charge of the project of reviving the once-proud southwest German footballing powerhouse. Germany's preeminent footballing publication has already linked former FC Augsburg trainer Enrico Maaßen and former VfB Stuttgart interim head-coach Michael Wimmer with the position.

Sky Germany adds the name of German footballing legend Miroslav Klose to the list. The 45-year-old has been without a job since the first appointment of his head-coaching career - with Austria's SC Rheindorf Altach - ended last spring. Klose began his professional career with the Pfälzer, scoring 52 goals in a total of 147 competitive appearances between 1999 and 2004.

No other German footballing media outlets are confirming the Klose connection at this point. For the most part, Dirk Schuster's emotional farewell letter to the Betze supporters counts as the big piece of news as concerns the Palatinate club. Schuster published an uncommonly personal farewell to the footballing mad public of Lautern.

"My assistant coach Sascha Franz and I would like to thank you very much," the statement begins, "We took over the team in an extraordinary situation. You fans played a big part in the fact that we were able to celebrate promotion to the 2. Bundesliga straight away. The way you always supported and inspired us with your vigor was incredible. In all my years in professional football, I haven't often experienced that kind of support."

"We're handing the team over now," the letter continues, "Despite all the disappointment, a positive feeling prevails. About the fact that we were able to stabilize this great club in the second division. About the fact that we have also been able to develop the team and that just a few weeks ago we were able to deliver inspiring matches against HSV, Hannover 96 and 1. FC Köln."

"The Betzenberg is once again being spoken about with respect and recognition in German football," Schuster concludes, "You can be proud of that. And that makes us proud too. That's why we can say: It was a great time. A great time with you!"

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