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Germany boss Joachim Löw has moved to dispel the notion that a return to 1. FC Köln would be detrimental to Lukas Podolski's international career...
The 23-year-old striker has cut a frustrated figure on the fringes of the FCB side this season, as ex Germany boss Klinsmann persists with a strike partnership of Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, and it is looking more and more the case that he will be leaving the country's biggest team for one of their perennial underachievers.
When asked whether such a decision is likely to work against Podolski, Löw insisted: "No. Lukas is someone who has to play for his club. If that is the case again, he will come in to the national team with great self-confidence.
"It is not the case that he will not be stretched in Cologne. Should he really return to Cologne, he will be be given a lot of responsibility at his old club.
"At Cologne, he would be a leading player, who would have to take on responsibility. I think that would be rather good for his development. And ultimately the national team would also profit from that," Löw added before revealing a telephone conversation he had with the young striker around Christmas time.
"I said to him: 'follow you heart.' Then talk with the coach, have a good look at the club.
"You have to develop a feeling for it, where you feel happy. And when you are certain, do it."
The 23-year-old striker has cut a frustrated figure on the fringes of the FCB side this season, as ex Germany boss Klinsmann persists with a strike partnership of Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, and it is looking more and more the case that he will be leaving the country's biggest team for one of their perennial underachievers.
When asked whether such a decision is likely to work against Podolski, Löw insisted: "No. Lukas is someone who has to play for his club. If that is the case again, he will come in to the national team with great self-confidence.
"It is not the case that he will not be stretched in Cologne. Should he really return to Cologne, he will be be given a lot of responsibility at his old club.
"At Cologne, he would be a leading player, who would have to take on responsibility. I think that would be rather good for his development. And ultimately the national team would also profit from that," Löw added before revealing a telephone conversation he had with the young striker around Christmas time.
"I said to him: 'follow you heart.' Then talk with the coach, have a good look at the club.
"You have to develop a feeling for it, where you feel happy. And when you are certain, do it."
