Head scratching time again

April 21st, 2006 | By: Harvey Morrell | 7 Comments »

Germany call up Nowotny for World Cup fitness tests. Let’s see, Klinsmann passed on Christian Wörns because he’s too old. He passed on Mehmet Scholl, who can change the outcome of a game in an instant, because he’s too injury-prone. Now he’s gone and invited Jens Nowotny, who’s both old and injury-prone, to the national team training camp for fitness tests. Next thing you know, Toni Schumacher will be invited to work out with the goalies.

Tags: Germany, Jürgen Klinsmann, Jens Nowotny

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Comments

By Six | April 21st, 2006 at 2:32 pm

That is a very odd move. Nowotny has nothing to offer this team. Maybe Klinsmann is reacting to the complaints that his team is too young?

By Knut Karnapp | April 22nd, 2006 at 5:29 am

It´s just a fitness test so I wouldn´t worry about that. If he´s fit then why not.

Posted from Germany

By RedSock | April 22nd, 2006 at 6:41 pm

Old? Some of the best players have been over 30 in the World cup; Donovan says 30 is a prime age to play in the world cup. How about Roger Milla? Out of all of the stars who have played for African teams (leaves Eusebio out who played for Purtugal); what other player is better known?

Posted from United States

By Knut Karnapp | April 23rd, 2006 at 10:14 am

I can´t think of any reason why Nowotny has been called for that test. Scholl would have been a nice call.

Posted from Germany

By Harvey | April 24th, 2006 at 7:49 am

Knut, I agree that either Scholl or Wörns would have been a better call.

RedSock, I saw Milla play and believe me, Nowotny is not on that same level. I agree with you that age shouldn’t be a barrier if you can still play (e.g., Lothar Mattäus). It’s just that calling up a slow and injury-prone player when you have better options is hard to justify.

Posted from United States

By Knut Karnapp | April 24th, 2006 at 8:18 am

Harvey, Wörns is not that good for the climate in the team. He only sees his advantages. I dislike him. Scholl though is a teamplayer.

Posted from Germany

By Harvey | April 24th, 2006 at 8:30 am

Knut, I’d forgotten that the main reason Klinsmann tossed Wörns out is that Wörns kept criticizing Klinsmannäs everz move. I stand corrected.