Matthaus rates Mags as the best

Last updated : 12 August 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Perhaps the German World Cup winner has blocked Manchester United out of his memory after his shocking performance for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final against them, but they don’t even merit a mention as he talks about the best technical teams in the Premiership.

"English football has changed in the last 10 years. It's no longer about long balls," he told The Independent.

"They are true Europeans because of the impact of foreign players and managers, while Newcastle and Arsenal are technically probably the best in England."

Matthaus also reminisced about the West Germans' 1990 World Cup semi-final victory over an England side managed by Bobby Robson, but more entertainingly he admits that he wishes he could forget about Euro 2000.

"That is one tournament I would have liked to miss. It was not a success for me or the team," he said.

The reason for his not so fond memories is of course England’s 1-0 win over Germany courtesy of Alan Shearer’s second half header.

A Shearer winner in Belgrade tonight and more unhappy memories for the German would be just the job.