ACTUALITE |
02.05.2002
Kahn writes off World Cup after Nowotny blow
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn conceded on Thursday that Germany have little chance of winning the World Cup after Jens Nowotny joined Mehmet Scholl on the sidelines.
"It`s like France without Marcel Desailly and Zinedine Zidane," he explained. "We will certainly not travel to the tournament as one of the favourites."
Germany assistant coach Michael Skibbe was equally downbeat, but insisted the national team would not return to the outmoded sweeper system favoured by former coach Erich Ribbeck.
"Jens was the key to our defence and his loss is the heaviest blow, but no matter which system we choose to replace him, we won`t reinstall a libero," he promised
Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Nowotny was ruled outafter a scan on Thursday confirmed he had torn cruciate ligaments.
"This is a serious loss for him and for the national team," Germany coach Rudi Voller said. "Jens played a vital role in my plans, leading my defence and as my assistant on the pitch. It will be very difficult to replace him."
Nowotny picked up the injury in an innocuous-looking clash with Ruud van Nistelrooy. It happened in the eighth minute of his side`s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday which confirmed Bayer`s place in the Champions` League final.
Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoller echoed Voller`s comments. "I would trade our Champions` League triumph for Jens not to be injured," he said. "He is an outstanding captain and his loss is a tremendous blow. There is no-one who can replace him.
"After the match against United, the players swore that they would win the final for Jens," he added.
Nowotny has sacrificed himself for the Bayer cause in recent weeks, taking painkilling injections to allow him to play despite an ankle injury.
As well as the World Cup, Nowotny will miss the final match of the Bundesliga campaign on Saturday, the German Cup final against Schalke 04 on May 11 and the Champions` League final in Glasgow four days later.
"It`s tragic," Leverkusen team-mate and fellow international Carsten Ramelow said. "Jens has been so influential in helping us to all the success we have had this season and now that we have gone all the way he is out to injury.
"It`s a great feeling to have qualified for the Champions` League final, but I feel downbeat as I am very sorry for him."
Leverkusen physio Dieter Trzolek revealed that Nowotny will now travel to knee specialist Richard Steadman in Colorado for surgery. "We have demanded the quickest-possible appointment for an operation," he confirmed.
Voller`s defence at the World Cup is now likely to comprise Marko Rehmer, if he recovers from his ligament problem, Christian Worns, Thomas Linke and Christian Ziege.
Alternatively, he could go for a back-three with Worns and Linke joined by a defensive midfielder such as Jens Jeremies or Ramelow.
Bayern playmaker Scholl stunned the country last week by announcing his retirement from international football after an injury-marred season
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