Klose: No rift with strike partner
Germany striker Miroslav Klose has dismissed reports about a potential rift between him and attacking partner Lukas Podolski following the future Bayern Munich star’s dip in form.
While Klose grabbed a brace in the opening 4-2 victory over Costa Rica, Podolski looked ineffective in the curtainraiser before wasting two good scoring opportunities in the 1-0 win over Poland.
German media outlets quoted Klose as slamming his strike partner over his lack of form, but the Werder Bremen star felt misunderstood.
“We have no row,“ Klose said. “That is complete rubbish.
“We have very good relationship. I just said he looked a bit tense and needed to move more. It is a fact that we have great ambitions and we all need to improve.”
Klose – just like coach Jurgen Klinsmann – was full of praise for the 21-year-old.
He added: “We all know how great a striker he is. He knows that he is a huge talent. We all try to help him and hope that he will give the right answer in the next game.”
Germany battle out Group A supremacy with Ecuador on Monday, with the loser facing a potential clash with England should Sven-Goran Eriksson’s troops not lose to Sweden.
Outspoken Podolski insists he was unaffected by the speculation surrounding him.
“I know that I can play better but I am not at all concerned,” he stated. “It is not fair to speak of a crisis just because I have not scored in two matches.”
Meanwhile, Ecuador defender Ulises De la Cruz admitted he is likely to leave Aston Villa this summer after seeing only limited playing time last season.
“Maybe I will be leaving,” the 32-year-old told PA Sport. “I have had no offers thus far but maybe after the World Cup I will. But I would definitely love to stay in England because I like the language, culture and style of play.”
However, De la Cruz is not keen on an early meeting with the country he plays his club football in.
“I prefer Sweden and not England but it is not a decision for Ecuador (to make),” he added.
“We would be more confident when playing Sweden because England are so strong on free-kicks, corners and in the air. The English team is very good and they have a great midfield.”
Coach Luis Fernando Suarez revealed he will rely on De la Cruz’s insight should Ecuador be paired against England.
“De la Cruz could be an advantage because he knows the English football very well and of course he could give us some hints,” said Suarez. “He knows a lot about the Premiership and we will definitely use this advantage.”
Mora, De la Cruz, Espinoza, Ambrossi, Guagua, Valencia, E. Tenorio, Ayovi, Mendez, Borja, Kaviedes. Replacements: Benitez, Castillo, Delgado, Hurtado, Lanza, Lara, Perlaza, Reasco, Saritama, C. Tenorio, Urrutia, Villafuerte.
Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Huth, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Frings, Ballack, Schneider, Klose, Podolski. Replacements: Asamoah, Borowski, Hanke, Hildebrand, Hitzlsperger, Jansen, Kahn, Kehl, Metzelder, Neuville, Nowotny, Odonkor.
Valentin Ivanov (Russia)
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