Tournament News
Loew slams SA training fields
2009-06-30 11:29
Email | Print
Berlin - Germany coach Joachim Loew says he isn't impressed with the training facilities on offer in South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
Loew visited South Africa during the Confederations Cup along with assistant Hansi Flick and national team manager Oliver Bierhoff.
"We don't need to have worries that the stadiums won't be ready or that the infrastructure will produce problems," Loew was quoted as telling Kicker magazine on its Web site Monday. "The stadiums are in a very good condition."
However, Loew was sharply critical of the training facilities.
"The training opportunities do not match our expectations," he said. "So far, I have not seen a single training field that is even close to European standards.
"Much better conditions must be put in place by FIFA and the local organizers," Loew was quoted as saying.
If it qualifies, Germany will be based close to Johannesburg during next year's tournament, he said.
Germany hosted the last World Cup in 2006.