Arne!

By: Abby | June 18th, 2008

It took some time, but Joachim Löw finally saw reason and started Arne Friedrich in the game against Austria. And, for those who haven’t been paying attention, Germany’s defense looked a lot less shaky with Arne at the back instead of Marcell Jansen (I know it’s not a straight swap, as it involves Philipp Lahm moving around, but close enough for a blog). With Jansen still injured as far as I know, it’s likely that Arne will reprise his role.

Jens Lehmann thinks that Arne will play, and has been giving him secret pointers about stopping C. Ronaldo. Hopefully, not with his face. Although if need be, at least we know Jens is willing to get himself knocked out for a win.

That Arne wasn’t starting at all until an injury is worrying, though. Das Bild, in the time-honored tradition of newspapers who write their headlines in red, speculate that he might want out of Hertha to somewhere a little more glamorous when his contract runs out at the end of next season. AS Roma are the long-term suitors from abroad, but apparently VfB Stuttgart are also interested.

In less glum news, Hertha have announced a glamour friendly with Liverpool on July 22. Yay?

Category: europe, transfer news

Tags: arne friedrich, europe, preseason, transfer news

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Comments  

• diana |  June 19th, 2008 at 4:00 am

  
  
  

  ‘Hopefully, not with his face.’
  Ouch.

  Abby, this is news to me. Arne, to Stuttgart? Me being the Stuttgart fan, this is the first time I had heard of it. All the rumours surrounding Mario Gomez’s future is enough to keep me occupied (other than Euro 2008) for now.

  When the Germany line-up was revealed ahead of the Austria match in Vienna on TV, I swear I almost heaved a sigh of relief when I saw Arne’s name is on the list. Really. I know that came at a time when Marcell Jansen was injured but, I was like ‘Phooey!’.

  Posted from Singapore

  

• Paul |  July 1st, 2008 at 11:05 am

  
  
  

  If Friedrich’s contract is expiring at the end of next season then will Hertha try to cash in this summer? Of course we all hope not but at least his starts at Euro 2008 should have increased his value somewhat. It was nice to see that he bothered to have a shave before the final too. Presentable fellow

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

• Abby |  July 1st, 2008 at 9:00 pm

  
  
  

  Maybe, Paul, maybe. I’ll be sad to see him go, without a doubt, but if he wants to leave we’d get a much higher price for him right now.

  Posted from United States

  

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