Podolski hits back at Klopp

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has hit back at Jurgen Klopp for suggesting he is wasting his potential.

The Borussia Dortmund coach said Podolski should be one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga, but lamented the 26-year-old’s inconsistency.

However, the former Bayern Munich man believes that Klopp is merely bitter after numerous failed attempts to secure his signature.

“Perhaps Klopp is a bit sad because I turned him down twice,” Podolski told Bild newspaper.

“I’m really too expensive for Dortmund because after exiting in the group stage, BVB are without Champions League revenue.”

Podolski’s contract at Cologne expires in 2013, but he is calm about the situation, despite sporting director Volker Finke intimating that the Germany international would be sold if he fails to agree a new deal before the end of the Bundesliga season.

“I still have a year-and-a-half contract. If the club do not want me in the new season, I might play in the second team or sit in the stands.”

Despite Cologne’s wavering form this season, Podolski has scored 13 goals in 14 Bundesliga games.