Is he really lazy as Vogts claims?

Former Germany coach Berti Vogts has branded Lukas Podolski lazy.

Despite a good start to his Arsenal career, scoring three goals since his arrival from FC Koln in the summer, Vogts, who now manages Azerbaijan, claims the 27-year-old forward spent too much time partying rather than developing his game.

Quoted in The Sun recently, Vogts said:

‘I am happy that Podolski has left Cologne. He had too many friends in the city.

‘He got praised as a great runner if he ever got back to defend three times in a game. He got an easy ride and he believed his own publicity. But now he has a coach at Arsenal in Arsene Wenger who will make him work hard in training as well as matches.’

He finished off by saying:

‘If Podolski fails to train properly twice or three times he won’t get games. That is the way to develop him into a true professional.’

Clearly Vogts hasn’t seen Podolski’s performances for Arsenal this season.

The German international has chipped in with some goals already this year and has pulled out some impressive performances – the one against Liverpool stands out.

Granted, at times he doesn’t track back when he is supposed too, but from what I’ve seen of him he is a hard-working individual who gives it his all. I think the reason why he fades away at times in matches is because he is being played out of position in the wide role. He is, in my opinion, definitely more at home when he charges through the middle, as he possesses pace and power.

One thing is for sure; Wenger will keep this guy in check and develop him into a better player.

Is Podolski lazy as Vogts claims?

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