Tuesday, October 14 2008 -- Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has undermined the qualities of the German international striker Lukas Podolski and has declared that he does not require the services of the want-away Bayern Munich striker.

Speaking to the Madrid based Spanish sports daily Marca, the Real Madrid coach disclaimed all rumours that Real are looking forward to signing the player in the summer. Podolski is disgruntled at the lack of opportunities at Bavarian giants Bayern Munich and is expected to leave the German giants in Jnauary 2009.

A number of clubs, including Real Madrid, have been speculated to sign the Poland-born German international striker but the Real Madrid coach Schuster has now admitted that he doesn't rate the German striker very highly.

He said:

"He has a lot to offer, but when he left Köln I had my doubts.

"He is a modest young man and he needs people around him, who support him. At clubs like Bayern and Real you have to be able to fight for your place."