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Friday March 28, 2008

Loew lays down the law in quest to win Euro 2008

BERLIN: Germany coach Joachim Loew has imposed a few ground rules on his players in their quest to win Euro 2008 – late-night visits to discos are banned and room service in the team hotel is off the menu.

Until the Bundesliga finishes in May, members of the squad are banned from visiting discos or nightclubs on the eve of a league game as Loew demands discipline in the bid to win the European crown for the fourth time.

The squad will find the mini-bar in their hotel rooms stripped of beer, wine and spirits with only sports drinks and water available.

Players have been told room service is banned both in the team’s Euro 2008 training camp in Mallorca and in the team hotel at Ascona, Switzerland, during Euro 2008, between June 8-29.

“It’s about the relations between the national football team and the clubs,” said Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

“Anyone who is out until the early hours of the morning isn’t taking their job seriously.”

Hotel staff in both Mallorca and Ascona are under strict instructions not to provide room service to the players, who will have their own personal chef for the duration of the tournament.

“Of course we trust the players. The mini-bar is filled with fruit juices and water,” said Bierhof.

“The players will have round the clock access to the best nutrition and a balanced diet.”

Germany play Poland, Croatia and co-hosts Austria in their Euro 2008 pool. – AFP

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