Miroslav Klose: 'Best the Bundesliga Has to Offer'

After an outstanding World Cup performance, a golden boot on international soccer's biggest stage, being named one of the tournament's top 11 players, Miroslav Klose is taking his success in stride.

"The World Cup was important for me but now it all starts again," he said, adding that the new focus would be on the German league season. "It would be great to top last season, but I am starting from scratch again at Bremen and there is a lot of work to do for all of us."

Officials at Werder Bremen, where Klose plays every week, were more buoyant about the 28-year-old striker -- who nearly became a carpenter rather than soccer player -- was voted German player of the year on Thursday.

"Miro has absolutely earned this honor," team manager Klaus Allofs said. "He had phenomenal achievements with Werder Bremen and the national team."

Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf called Klose the "best thing the Bundesliga has to offer," which gives Schaaf extra reason to be pleased as he managed to sign the Polish-born forward, who is Germany's third all-time World Cup scorer with 10 goals, until 2008.

Still no silverware in Klose's cabinet

Last season Klose was the German top-flight's top scorer, finding the back of the net 25 times, earning him the German Player of the Year award and he capped his best ever campaign by lifting the golden boot at the World Cup after scoring five goals.

At 28, the he's at his peak and wants to win a first major trophy with Werder Bremen after going so close with Germany in the summer.

"We want to be champions but it will be very, very difficult," Klose said. "However, those responsible have been thinking a lot and bolstering the Bremen squad intelligently."

Bremen dangerous in front of the net

Armed with Klose's lethal shot, Bremen's attack is undoubtedly their main attribute as Croatian international Ivan Klasnic and Egyptian marksman Mohamed Zidan both vie for the chance to partner next to Klose up front.

Last season Bremen plundered 79 goals in 34 league matches to finish second, and they showed they can compete with Bayern in Saturday's League Cup final when they defeated Felix Magath's side 2-0 in Leipzig to win the league's first title.

If Klose, who recently became a father to twin daughters, can repeat his 25-goal haul from last season this time around, Bremen might be able to take a more prestigious trophy or two by May 2007.