Podolski in the twilight zone

[Gerry_BMG]

Netzer and Ballack blamed Podolskis performances and indirectly his efforts during games. I dont know if it was wise of Ballack to make it public tho... but I think both are right about it. He is probably in the defining phase of his career concerning his attitute towards the game. I am a bit worried about Podolski whether he will be able to stay rational and on the ground.

What I dont like is the media titleling Netzers and Ballacks criticism as nagging. This is a dangerous path if media will protect Podolski from such things and make him a "Saint". Same thing happened against Georgia. He got a red card, but the whole stadium chanted "Lukas Podolski, Lukas Podolski"... That is definitely not good for his attitude and mind. Than I was glad to see how he reacted in the interviews after the red card... he seemed to have felt guilt.

This hype around him is not helping him. I have concerns about him, becoming the player he could be due to this environment.

[Gerry_BMG]

watch out! Podolski criticismn

[Timonator]

hm i don't think Podolski is happy with the current situation. He may be not showing but i think deep down inside he knows that he has to work more and harder to be an even better player.

Jogi said today that he is working his arse off in training and that he wants to improve. I don't know what he's doing in Munich though, but when i hear Podolski saying: "I haven't really talked to Magath (longer than 10min) since i m playing in Munich", i could puke! What does this mean? I think a player like Lukas needs a coach who speaks a lot with him, again he might not show it to the outside but i think he's a "sensitve" player and still young thus he should get some advices on how to handle such situations where you can't seem to play well. I hope Magath supports him in this phase.

[gk_milan18]

Yeah agree. There is still a long way for Poldi to take to be a super star. Any kind criticism is good for him.