Klose’s consistency as a goal-scorer in his first Bundesliga season at Kaiserslautern earned him attention. In January 2001, the then coach of the Polish national team, Jerzy Engel, travelled to Germany to persuade Klose to choose to play for Poland. This request was declined by Klose, who said that I have a German passport, and if things are still running this way, I have a chance to play for Rudi V”ller.” Klose’s hopes were justified, as he would soon score for Germany. In an interview given to Przeglad Sportowy on 9 June 2008, Klose stated that the decision to play for Germany instead of Poland was not an easy one, and if Polish officials had been faster, he would be playing for Poland now. Furthermore, he added that he does not regret the choice, as with Germany he has won medals in the World Cup tournaments. The German national team has never lost a game in which Klose has scored. Klose’s international debut came on 24 March 2001 in a World Cup qualifier against Albania, in the 73rd minute coach Rudi V”ller put him in as a substitute. ® less “