Lost in translation? Not under Magath

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has reportedly banned all languages other than German at training.

The Bundesliga club’s squad contains several foreign players, including Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos, South Korean midfielder Ja-Cehol Koo, Japan’s Makoto Hasebe and Venezuelan Yohandry Orozco.

But Magath has put his foot down, reportedly announcing there will only be one language spoke at the club from now on.

“For the sake of performance, it is always better if you understand your team-mates,” Magath told Bild, which report that only German can now be spoken at training.

Kyrgiakos is competent in English having spent time with Liverpool, but Magath said he will not tolerate any language changes.

“I do not think it appropriate if each of us now will have to learn English,” Magath said.

Magath will be hoping his men show better communication and an improved performance when they meet Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with Wolfsburg 11th on the league table.