Bremen bank on 'K&K Connection'

'K&K Connection'
The in-form forwards have already made a name for themselves in both the Bundesliga and Europe over the past year - forming an incredible understanding since Klose's arrival from 1. FC Kaiserslautern last summer to earn the moniker 'K&K Connection'.

Successful season
Last season the German and the Croatian internationals shared 25 league goals, with Klose the senior partner on 15. In the Champions League, however, Klasnić was more successful, scoring five times to Klose's three en route to the last 16 where Bremen's quest was ended by Olympique Lyonnais.

Strong start
This term the pair are determined to develop their excellent relationship and the early evidence is positive indeed. They have struck three goals each in the first two games of the Bundesliga campaign to leave Bremen sitting comfortably in second place with a perfect record.

Klose strike
That will be of little import as Bremen take the field in the Weserstadion on Wednesday for the return leg of their third qualifying round tie against FC Basel 1893. Bremen have Klose to thank for the 73rd-minute strike that saw them escape from Switzerland with a 2-1, rather than a 2-0 defeat, but the player was far from satisfied with the performance.

'Work to do'
"We let them control the match and they really took advantage in the first hour," said the 27-year-old, who missed Germany's FIFA Confederations Cup campaign through injury. "We knew how good Basel were and the coach told us time and time again. We have got all the work to do now."

'Black eye'
General manager Klaus Allofs was also unhappy with the display - but knew who to thank for his team still being in contention. "Miro's goal helped us escape with a black eye," he said. "The best thing about the game from our point of view was the result. We must improve considerably in the return leg."

Klasnić optimistic
Klasnić, for one, is optimistic Bremen will be able to live up to expectations on home soil and make the group stage for the second year running. "We are at home and have celebrated some big wins in the Weserstadion in the past," said the 25-year-old.

Dangerous pair
With only one goal needed to secure a place among Europe's élite, Werder look the favourites to overcome Basel. Especially with Klose and Klasnić in excellent form and ready to demonstrate that they are one of the continent's most dangerous strike forces.