<p>MUNICH &mdash; Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose has been forced to take a break from coaching due to thrombosis in his leg.</p>
<p>Klose, whose last day as assistant coach at Bayern Munich was Saturday, told Kicker magazine on Thursday that he will not be taking up any other coaching opportunities anytime soon.</p>
<p>The 42-year-old Klose had been linked with the coaching position at second-division club Fortuna Düsseldorf.</p>
<p>“The diagnosis was a small shock for me,” said Klose, who added that he first had “strong pains” in his leg about three weeks ago.</p>
<p>“I have two thromboses in my leg. I was immediately put on medication and given special stockings that I have to wear around the clock. The doctors were very clear that the situation should not be trifled with. For the immediate future they prescribed almost total rest. I can’t take any hits, can’t jog, can’t swim – and above all, can’t play football.”</p>
<p>Klose is still Germany’s top scorer with 71 goals in 137 appearances. He retired from playing after helping Germany win the World Cup in 2014.</p>
<p>Klose said he would prefer a head-coaching position when he does resume work.</p>
<p>“To continue as an assistant coach feels like the wrong path, even if it would have fit both personally and professionally with Hansi Flick as Germany coach,” he said.</p>
<p>Klose was Flick’s assistant at Bayern. Both left at the same time.</p>
<p>“It would be the more comfortable path, but I don’t want to take that. I’ve always taken the stony path,” Klose said.</p>
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