Klinsmann worried about fitness of German players
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-31 22:51

Juergen Klinsmann is worried about something that is usually one of the main strengths of German teams -- fitness.

The Germany coach says his players are not fit enough to keep up with the top teams.

``We've collected findings that look negative at the first look,'' said Klinsmann, as his squad assembled in Munich to start its preparations for the Confederations Cup in two weeks.

The German squad underwent a series of fitness tests in March, conducted by American experts that Klinsmann has hired to work with the team through to the World Cup next year in Germany.

Assistant coach Joachim Loew said the players were not up to expected fitness standards.

``Very few players are in top condition in all areas,'' Loew said Tuesday.

Klinsmann said draws against Brazil (1-1) and Argentina (2-2) showed that his players ran out of steam at the end of games.

``We played great for about 60 or 65 minutes, but then we got into trouble and allowed our rivals to get back into the games,'' he said.

Klinsmann said he did not expect his players to improve much before the Confederations Cup, but that they would improve for the World Cup.

``We think that each player can raise his fitness by 20 to 30 percent,'' he said.

Klinsmann said he expects his players to put in extra work at their clubs before the World Cup.

``Fitness is one of the main aspects of our work, because we want to play a fast-paced game. At the World Cup, we have to apply pressure over 90 minutes, or 120 if necessary,'' Klinsmann said.

Close

Suns stop Spurs IOC inspects construction sites in Beijing David Beckham to join England's squad in game against Colombia

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
China may use foreign exchange reserves to buy oil         Mines to appoint veterans as Guardian Angels         Resource talks with Japan sail on - FM         Economists call for removal of trade barriers         Identity of 'Deep Throat' source confirmed         Villepin replaces Raffarin as French PM	Owen's hat trick lifts England over Colombia       Pistons' Brown denies accepting post with NBA rival       Nastase, McEnroe face off on the court       Lippi says Totti exclusion is not punishment       Klinsmann worried about fitness of German players       Henin-Hardenne beats Sharapova at French Open