Inside the Mind of João Klauss: Precision, Perseverance, and Positive Thinking

Amid Wednesday's post-practice reflections, João Klauss, the forward for St. Louis CITY SC, opened up about various topics, including his partnership with fellow striker Samuel Adeniran, potential tactical improvements for the team, and even shared lighthearted anecdotes about experiencing a solar eclipse with the media including our correspondent Jennifer Siess.

Reflecting on his partnership with teammate Samuel Adeniran, Klauss emphasized the strategic significance of complementary playing styles. "He is very powerful, very fast," Klauss noted, highlighting Adeniran's ability to stretch defenses. In their collaboration, Klauss aims to utilize his own strengths to create space for Adeniran's runs behind the defense, "I try to find combinations and then try to go to the space so when we play, I can come underneath and try to make the combinations and open this kind of space for him to run behind."

When discussing tactics against teams with three center backs, Klauss emphasized the importance of movement in the box. "When we're up against teams playing with three center backs, we need more movement in the box and more players inside," he explained. "Whether it's just me or just Sam, or whoever, the player who's there against three, four, or five defenders, it's tough. So, in these games, I think we need more movement in the box. We have to move more and try to open up space."

In analyzing his approach to scoring goals, Klauss emphasized the need for precision and perseverance. "It's more about mental," he remarked, highlighting the psychological aspect of goalscoring. Despite facing challenges and near misses, Klauss remains steadfast in his belief that each chance brings him closer to finding the back of the net. He stated, "I try to always stay positive. I'm feeling much better physically right now. I'm feeling stronger. I'm feeling that I'm getting better game by game, and that always helps, visually as a striker."

Klauss also emphasized the importance of staying confident and finding other ways to contribute when goals are not coming. "I don't think I'm playing bad games; I just am not scoring," he said. "If you start to go down and try to, 'Oh, why am I not scoring goals?' then you stop helping the team in other ways as well. For me, it's a mental game; you have to stay positive."

Reflecting on the recent 0-0 draw vs FC Dallas, Klauss analyzed a missed opportunity: "Against Dallas, I think the chance that I had with my last [shot], I made a good decision; the only way to score was over his shoulder. I made the shot, hit the crossbar, and then after, he made a great save as well." Despite these challenges, Klauss remains optimistic about his future performances, stating, "So yeah, I think the goal will come soon. I hope." Through his words, Klauss demonstrates a deep understanding of the mental aspect of his position and a resilient attitude towards his goal-scoring responsibilities.

João Klauss recounted his first encounter with a solar eclipse, a moment made memorable by the thoughtful gesture of a friend. "I was happy that I went to dinner with a friend of mine," he recalled. "He told me that I couldn't look at the sun without the glasses, so he gave me one. I didn't know that, so I'm very happy that I went to dinner with him on a Monday."

João will look to add to his season goal tally in the next match at CITYPARK, St. Louis, on Sunday, April 14th, at 3:30 p.m. The broadcast, featuring St. Louis City SC broadcasters Joey Zanaboni, Dale Schilly, and Jennifer Siess, can be heard on Y98 F.M.