During his first conversation with CITY SC head coach Bradley Carnell last spring, João Klauss made clear exactly what he hoped to find in St. Louis.
Up to that point, the 26-year-old Brazilian striker had bounced between clubs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. He began his youth career with Internacional in his native Brazil, moved to Hoffenheim of Germany’s Bundesliga as a young adult, and went out on loan to multiple other teams in between.
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So when he met Carnell upon signing with CITY in March 2022, Klauss stated his No. 1 desire: He wanted a team—and a city—that he could call his own.
“That was the only thing he ever longed for,” Carnell says. “The day I met him, he said, ‘I want to call this my home. I’m tired of going on loan, coach.’ I said, ‘OK. We’ll get you. This is your home.’”
To find home is to find comfort, and there are many reasons for Klauss to feel at ease in St. Louis despite just getting started. With two goals in as many games, Klauss is one of only five MLS players to score in each of his club’s matches this season. Carnell’s style of play clearly suits him. The high tempo allows him to stay engaged in the attack, and his physical presence is allowed to be an asset instead of a liability as he marauds through opposing halves like a hungry animal sniffing out a meal. During his time at LASK in Austria he thrived under a similar system while netting 20 goals in 45 appearances during the 2019-2020 season. His early success can be attributed to his familiarity with the role Carnell is asking him to play.
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“He’s a very lovable guy,” Carnell says. “I think, culturally, he embraces what it is we’re trying to do. I think, tactically, he understands how exactly we can reward him. The quality levels that he shows in the moment is something that is very unique to this league. He has a knack of scoring goals wherever he’s gone on his journeys.”
Beyond the field, Klauss has formed a connection with St. Louis fans. Even before his game-clinching goal in the second half of Saturday’s home opener, CITYPARK came alive every time he ran onto the ball in a dangerous position. Klauss, of course, had his moment late in the second half when he stepped in front of a telegraphed back pass from Charlotte defender Adilson Malanda. Klauss settled the ball and chipped it past goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega, who had no chance to make a play. As Klauss and his teammates celebrated in the corner, the Brazilian took an extra moment to put his hand over his heart—a gesture to acknowledge the love he felt from CITY’s supporters
“You see that they broke all of the records as expected, that they love soccer here,” Klauss says. “I love that you go outside and people talk to you. You can tell that they are excited for the game.”
Although this is only the beginning of Klauss’ relationship with St. Louis, he’s already supplied more than a few unforgettable moments across the first two weekends, including his decisive goal in CITY’s inaugural match on February 25 at Austin. In the process, Klauss has seemingly found what he’s been searching for.
“I always say that I want to be at a club that I can say is my club, and that I can say is my home,” Klauss says. “When you get to play in front of these crazy fans and all of the love that is coming from outside, I cannot tell you how good I’m feeling. I feel I am home.”
