Dropped Frings blasts Germany coach Loew

Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings on Saturday blasted coach Joachim Loew for leaving him out of the squad to face Azerbaijan in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier.

“I’m basing things on the principle that I’m still part of the national side as long as the coach hasn’t given me a decision I can understand,” stormed Frings, whose mood was not helped by speaking after Werder’s league-opening home defeat to Frankfurt.

“When you have given so much for your country for eight or nine years you can surely expect to be given a reason,” added 32-year-old Frings, who has won 79 caps.

Loew, who has marginalised Frings in the qualification campaign to date as he bloods new talent, justified his decision by saying that if he called up Frings the latter would expect to start.

“Torsten is very experienced with almost 80 selections and someone who, if called up, would have to start. I have talked to him and told him that for now Thomas Hitzlsperger (of Stuttgart) is in the frame for his position ahead of him.”

Germany currently top Group 4 a point clear of Russia, whom they face on October 10.

Azerbaijan, who have just one point, are coached by former Germany boss Berti Vogts.

Earlier, Cologne striker Lukas Podolski pulled out of the match with a thigh injury.

Podolski, who has 33 goals in 64 internationals, may not be replaced in the squad for Wednesday’s game in Baku as coach Joachim Loew already has attacking options in the shape of Mario Gomez, Cacau and Miroslav Klose.

However, Klose may be a doubt after picking up a shin injury which kept him out of Bayern Munich’s opening German League match against Hoffenheim on Saturday.