Key Highlights
- Christoph Klarer signs a two-year contract with Birmingham City.
- Klarer expresses satisfaction with his decision to move from Bundesliga to League One.
- The club’s ambitious plans for the new stadium and Sports Quarter motivate Klarer.
- Birmingham City aims to reach the Premier League, despite challenges in the Championship.
Christoph Klarer’s Journey to Birmingham City
In an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive, Christoph Klarer reflects on his decision to sign a new contract with Birmingham City. The Austrian defender had initial doubts when invited from Bundesliga to League One but now sees the move as a pivotal step in his career.
Initial Uncertainties and Decision
“Initially, when you are playing in the Bundesliga and you get a call from League One, that’s not what you’re looking for,” admits Klarer. “But as we saw – and happily it turned out that way – we were going on a mission that wasn’t going to end in League One.”
Klarer had just completed his maiden Bundesliga season with Darmstadt 98, which ended in relegation. However, the prospect of Birmingham City’s ambitious plans attracted him. “This club was never a League One club in terms of the players we had and the manager last year, and the fanbase behind it,” he said.
Contract Extension and Future Prospects
Klarer signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Birmingham City until 2029. His wife Lara joined him to mark the occasion. “I can see my future here,” Klarer added. “I’m happy where I’m at, and I also want to be part of the places that this club is trying to go to.”
The Blues skipper will attend the unveiling of the design for their new stadium, which is expected to open in 2030 with a capacity of 62,000. “That big Sports Quarter is something we as players are looking forward to,” Klarer said, expressing his desire to be part of it.
Championship Challenges and Leadership
Birmingham City’s journey in the Championship has been challenging but promising. Klarer, who was named Player of the Year after a seamless transition from Darmstadt 98, is confident about their future prospects. “We’ve had it all this season – good performances that haven’t been rewarded and disappointing results,” he said.
“That win at Preston was really another step for us to show that maybe we don’t always have to be dominant to get a result away from home against a team that has started really well. The Preston game was important, and the two home games (Portsmouth and Millwall) showed what we can do.”
Klarer’s leadership qualities were highlighted during his time at Birmingham City, especially in critical moments. “There’s obviously expectation this year playing for Birmingham City,” he said. “As a player you can never listen to the outside noise too much, you’ve always got to focus on what you can control and that’s what I tried to do.”
Conclusion
The journey of Christoph Klarer at Birmingham City reflects his growth from Bundesliga to League One. With a new contract extension and ambitious club plans, he is committed to the club’s future goals. As the Blues look towards reaching the Premier League, Klarer’s leadership and experience will be crucial in their quest for success.
