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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.
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