German international Lukas Podolski is relaxed about the problems surrounding this summer's World Cup in Brazil. "I'm not paying any attention to the discussions about that," said the 28-year-old at a sponsor event in Cologne today. "Ultimately, it makes no difference if the stadiums are ready or if it's 50 or 55 degrees there now. The most important thing for a player is wanting to go to Brazil and fight for the trophy."
Podolski is similarly unflustered by the current injuries to captain Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "Injuries are all part of football," the Arsenal striker said on Wednesday ahead of Germany's South Tyrol training camp. "As far as I know, it's nothing serious."
"I'm going to Brazil full of confidence"
Despite being capped 112 times for his country, Podolski was only a substitute in his most recent appearance for "Die Mannschaft", but he is adamant that he is not travelling to the World Cup "to have a holiday or take a look at the Copacabana. I want to have a good tournament." He stresses that he can "play anywhere" in attack, adding: "The national coach can count on me in any position. I'm going to Brazil full of confidence." However, despite his ambitions, Podolski insists that it "is no big deal" if Joachim Löw does not pick him.
Podolski believes the bar has been set "pretty high" for the Germany squad after their performances in the past few tournaments, explaining: "Even reaching the quarter-finals in 2006 was a huge success and turned Germany on its head. This year, you get the feeling that losing in the semi-final would fall short of expectations. But that's sport for you.”
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German international Lukas Podolski is relaxed about the problems surrounding this summer's World Cup in Brazil. "I'm not paying any attention to the discussions about that," said the 28-year-old at a sponsor event in Cologne today. "Ultimately, it makes no difference if the stadiums are ready or if it's 50 or 55 degrees there now. The most important thing for a player is wanting to go to Brazil and fight for the trophy."
Podolski is similarly unflustered by the current injuries to captain Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "Injuries are all part of football," the Arsenal striker said on Wednesday ahead of Germany's South Tyrol training camp. "As far as I know, it's nothing serious."
"I'm going to Brazil full of confidence"
Despite being capped 112 times for his country, Podolski was only a substitute in his most recent appearance for "Die Mannschaft", but he is adamant that he is not travelling to the World Cup "to have a holiday or take a look at the Copacabana. I want to have a good tournament." He stresses that he can "play anywhere" in attack, adding: "The national coach can count on me in any position. I'm going to Brazil full of confidence." However, despite his ambitions, Podolski insists that it "is no big deal" if Joachim Löw does not pick him.
Podolski believes the bar has been set "pretty high" for the Germany squad after their performances in the past few tournaments, explaining: "Even reaching the quarter-finals in 2006 was a huge success and turned Germany on its head. This year, you get the feeling that losing in the semi-final would fall short of expectations. But that's sport for you.”
