Overview

• Lukas Podolski says German academies are producing "Muttersöhnchen" and calls for tougher, streetwise player profiles.
• He singles out 19-year-old Said El Mala as a standout attacking talent who reminds him of his own early days at 1. FC Köln.
• Podolski praises Köln’s unbeaten start and the energy under coach Lukas Kwasniok, noting the positive mood around the team.
• He commends sporting director Thomas Kessler’s transfer work, citing Kaminski, Johannesson, Bülter and Ache as smart additions.
• Podolski confirms he will keep playing for Górnik Zabrze at least until May and says no return to Köln has been promised.