Former Germany boss Vogts criticises Podolski attitude

Posted Tuesday, September 25, 2012 by Goal.com

The Azerbaijan manager has insisted the 27-year-old attacker does not work hard for his team-mates but believes Arsene Wenger will soon remedy that fault

Former Germany coach Berti Vogts has criticised Lukas Podolski's attitude for the national team and his former club Koln, but says the striker's professionalism will improve at Arsenal.

The Mannschaft international has scored three goals in six appearances for the Gunners following his summer move from the Bundesliga, helping the north London side remain unbeaten in the Premier League so far.

However, Azerbaijan manager Vogts believes the 27-year-old still has weaknesses which must be ironed out by Arsene Wenger, such as his work-rate.

Regarding Germany's Euro 2012 exit at the hands of Italy, Vogts said: "It is always the defence that gets criticised. But the defence starts with Podolski. When he loses the ball he must start running back once in a while.

"Now at Arsenal, he has a manager under whom he has to work really hard in training. Now he gets educated as a professional."

The 65-year-old continued by describing Podolski as an "extraordinary player" but added: "[He had] too many friends in Koln and I hope they stayed at home."