UEFA EURO 2016

Podolski and the egg question

For Lukas Podolski, the European championship is the seventh major tournament. The national player is regarded as a fixed constant in the case of national coach Joachim Löw, not only because it provides the space for a good mood.

Applause at a press conference not reap many. Lukas Podolski has managed at today’s Media event. “I think that’s a first,” said DFB spokesman Jens Grittner. “We have never had. Congratulations.” Podolski had commented on the pants the grip of national coach Joachim Löw and for loud laughter and applause from the journalists present.

“I think 80 percent of you crawl on the eggs,” he said, and took the DFB-Coach. This had caused during the game against the Ukraine for a true Social Media fireworks. The Italian TV-channel RAI 4 filmed Löw with a handle in the pants – the Video was visible a short time later via Twitter in the world and is the subject of various discussions. So funny, the DFB does not seem to find the story but, because of the Association have been inserted according to the daily Express an official complaint to UEFA.

“Poland is the most dangerous opponent”

In addition to Podolskis statement was also sporting things, because the national team is on Thursday (21 clock CEST, starting at 20:45 GMT at the DW live Ticker for this) in front of your important second group game against Poland. For the 31-year-old Podolski in the match against his country of birth is – as always – a special game. A lot of friends and a part of his family still live in Poland, Podolski told. “I think that the team has made in the past few years, a big jump. Many professionals play abroad and they also get a lot of young players,” analysed of the of national players and warned: “Poland is one of the most dangerous opponents in our group. I hope that we will move in as the first and Poland Second in the next round.”

For the professional the is meet on 2. Round group C, also a reunion with buddy Slawomir Peszko, he’s a season when 1. FC Köln has played in. A bet between the two have not given it yet. One or the other call but to follow, leaving Podolski to the attending media representatives know.

“He is a personality”

Understand well: Podolski (l) and Schweinsteiger

Since 2004, the striker is fixed the root of the DFB-Elf. The tournament in France, is already in his seventh major tournament in the service of the national team. Two years ago, he was with a few operations in Brazil the world champion. And also in this tournament, Löw builds on the qualities of the Turkish Cup winner. “The national coach knows where my qualities are. I’m here and well deserved,” said Podolski. “I played in Turkey a good season. I have made over 50 games, so I’m fighting fit and ready to go. If the coach needs me, I’ll be there.” Although the former Cologne is not for a longer time to the first Eleven, important Podolski is without a doubt.

“He is also a personality that can give the team a lot,” said Löw and his players. But also sporty, the champion Trainer is confident that his protege: “He still has a sporting value for us, even if it is not many want to have true,” said he: “I know that he can still deliver the performance we expect.” This EM is the last major tournament for the veteran? When it comes to Podolski. He would probably still be at the world Cup in Russia in 2018, his Best for the DFB. “I know what I have to the national coach and he knows what he has to me. Therefore, the fits. Everything else we will see then. The next games, the next few years.”