Podolski hits back at Bierhoff criticism

Posted Tuesday, May 28, 2013 by Goal.com

The 27-year-old has responded angrily to claims by the DFB general manager that he should not have been included in the national team for upcoming friendlies

Lukas Podolski has hit back at Oliver Bierhoff for questioning the forward’s place in the Germany national team.

The Arsenal attacker is currently in Miami training with die Mannschaft ahead of friendlies against Ecuador and the United States.

Podolski, whose development with the Germany team last year was labelled "unsatisfactory" by Bierhoff, says he did not appreciate the comments.

“If it seems that way to Mr. Bierhoff, then that’s his opinion. You don’t have discuss it,” he told reporters in response to Bierhoff’s criticism in Kicker.

“I do not care. I know what I have in me.

“Things will be looking up a few years, because sometimes you can have a stop.”

Bierhoff was made aware of Podolski’s comments and provided the striker with words of advice.

“I am a friend of clear words. And also players must be able to take criticism, must also live with the facts.

"It’s not like that one is saying that you do not believe in him, that you have no confidence in him.