Tussle: Podolski can mix it with the best

Germany had a training session at Lechia Gdansk’s old stadium on Podolski’s birthday, where he was serenaded with Happy  Birthday by 8,000 fans.

‘We’ve been playing together since we were 14, 15,’ said Gomez. ‘We played in all the under-age teams together, we were the attacking duo. We always were the best of friends even when he was breaking through with Cologne and was in the national team and I was just someone at Stuttgart.’

Podolski’s apparent lack of ego has also seen him prepared to cede his striking role to Gomez. There is plenty of discussion within  Germany if this is the best use of resources by Low.

There were questions on Friday about the defensive roles of Podolski and Thomas Muller against Portugal and Holland and whether the attacking sacrifice is too great. Having started out as a striker for Germany under Rudi Voller, a position carried on by Klinsmann when he became manager,  Podolski has moved back in the formation. He has been shifted to the left side of midfield at Euro 2012, a position he has played often before.

Podolski would prefer to be further forward but said: ‘I was instructed to close down the left against the Netherlands and Arjen Robben only had one shot in the first 45 minutes.’

Arsene Wenger was at that match and while Podolski saw him, he said they did not speak. Even for someone just turned 27, he has been around long enough for Wenger to know what he hopes to get next season from ‘Poldi’.

« Previous123Next »