Bierhoff annoyed at mole leaking Germany line-up

24/06/2012 8:43:00 PM

The ex-Mannschaft striker says that Joachim Low wants the team to be unpredictable, but the way his selections are being unofficially announced makes it difficult for the coach

Former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff is annoyed with the way that team news is being leaked by a mole inside the staff after the line-up for their quarter-final against Greece became common knowledge hours before kick-off.

Coach Joachim Low made big changes to the team, with Miroslav Klose replacing Mario Gomez up front one of the major surprises.

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What's interesting is that not just one paper leaked the line-up, and not just before the clash with Greece. It is not yet clear if the mole is a player or a member of the national team staff.

For Low, this is a serious concern, because tactical nuances can be decisive.

And Bierhoff does not believe it is one of the players who is letting the line-up slip.

"We've asked the players and spoken to them," Bierhoff told reporters. "It is important to surprise the opponent.

"When the line-up leaks five to six hours before kick-off, it becomes difficult.

"We have to make sure that there are no leaks."

Germany are currently on a world-record streak of 15 wins in a row in competitive matches.

They will be in action again on Thursday in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 against the winners of Sunday's match between England and Italy in Kiev.