Daniel Klein has revealed the unusual story of how his hairdresser and fellow German keeper Marius Muller helped him land his move to Aberdeen. The 25-year-old won a deal under Stephen Robinson after impressing during a trial at Cormack Park.
How the hairdresser connection came about
Klein explained that his hairdresser, Vincenzo, is dating Muller's sister. The opportunity arose after an impromptu summer kick-about opened the door for him to follow Muller to Pittodrie.
“It’s crazy because my hairdresser Vincenzo’s the boyfriend of his sister and I met him when I was on loan at Sandhausen,” Klein said. “My girlfriend is also a hairdresser and there was a little tournament in the summer break where we all met up. It was just a friends’ game they organised and it just turned out Marius and I were free and decided to go. It turns out we have the same agent and Marius recommended me to Aberdeen with everything happening from there.”
Settling in at Pittodrie
The former Augsburg keeper admitted it has been good having his fellow German with him to help him settle in Scotland. Muller told him he would love the club and the city, and that the standard and training were very good.
“He’s certainly helped with that as I don’t have a car here yet so he drives me to training every day,” Klein said. “We also go for a coffee or to see some stuff and going to the supermarket together. It was a good move for me because I’ve known Marius for a couple of years and it’s a good opportunity for me. I can train very well here, maybe make some appearances and be able to help the team. I’ll work hard to be ready if the manager needs me to come in to the side.”
Klein joked his move has probably ended up costing his hairdresser. “I was waiting to the break to go back and get my hair done but now I really need to find a new one,” he said. “I can’t afford to fly him in to cut my hair but I can recommend him if you ever go to Germany.”
Sporting director's role and first taste of Scottish football
Aberdeen sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel was also involved. Pfannenstiel remembered the promising youngster coming through the ranks at Hoffenheim, when Klein was only 14 or 15 years old.
“He was a big help in getting this move done though and maybe it’s because he remembered seeing me back then,” Klein recalled. “Maybe he asked my old coaches from back then about me before.”
Klein had a few options but felt a move overseas was what he needed. He wants to push Muller all the way and be ready if called upon. “There were a few but this was definitely the best one if I wanted to train and perhaps play to a high standard,” he confirmed.
Klein got his first insight into Scottish football in last weekend’s friendly win over Dunfermline Athletic. It was a long, overdue run-out. “I loved that because my last match before that was one and a half years ago,” Klein admitted. “That was also a friendly match and it felt like a very long time ago.”
He is likely to be on the bench against St Johnstone this afternoon.
