Germany

Löw Issues Warning To Players

Germany coach Joachim Löw has warned that there will be zero tolerance for players who use the media to voice their discontent.

12 Nov 2008 19:16:36

Joachim Löw - Germany (Firo)

Löw has already announced that he will conduct a clear-the-air meeting with his entire squad in Berlin ahead of next week's prestige friendly against England and, without defining it as such, has already given a prelude to the theme and the tone of the talk.

"There is a growing tendency for players, when they sit on the bench once in a while, to let their frustration out immediately," he told the German press, alluding to the high-profile fall-outs between the coach and Kevin Kuranyi, Torsten Frings and Michael Ballack of late.

"It is not right that the players do not accept the apologies of the coach and complain in public.This is an unsustainable situation and we have got to do something about it.

"We have got to be very careful," he stressed. " It was bad for the team because the positive image of the national team was tainted for a while or maybe it has even changed.

"The performance of a team is decisive, not the individual. Take Barcelona, for example. They have (Thierry) Henry, (Samuel) Eto'o, (Andres) Iniesta or (Eric) Abidal sat on the bench.

"Nobody criticises anybody in public and when they come in, they fulfill their tactical duties and maintain their form level."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com