Wagner treating Germany players like idiots: Loew

MUNICH: Germany coach Joachim Loew has hit out at Sandro Wagner after the striker opted to retire from international football.

Wagner announced he would no longer be available for the World Cup holders after he was among the notable absentees from Loew’s preliminary 27-man squad for Russia. “For me, it is clear that I don’t seem to fit with the coaching team with my way - always open, honest and direct to address things,” Wagner had said.

Loew suggested Wagner has been too hasty. “I find his reaction a bit exaggerated, he told Bild.

“Everyone who knows us knows how we always encourage players to speak out, to be open and honest, to be critical. These things are very important to us.

“He says that others do not open their mouths. What should Jerome (Boateng), Mats (Hummels) think? That’s totally nasty.

“I feel that the criticism of Wagner is criticism directed at his team-mates. He acts as if some players who have been playing for us forever and are leading players are complete idiots. As if they were only in the team because they don’t say their opinion.”

SWEET VICTORY

It meant a sweet victory for Antonio Conte over his rival Jose Mourinho on what could prove his farewell outing as Chelsea coach, with the FA Cup a notable consolation after their Premier League title defence slumped to a fifth-place finish.

As in the semi-final win over Tottenham, David de Gea was preferred to United’s regular cup