Olga Smorodskaya: Podolski’s transfer failed due to Cologne’s incompetent approach

Lokomotiv Moscow president Olga Smorodskaya explained why the deal with German side Cologne over Lukas Podolski fell through.

«Lukas Podolsky could have signed for Lokomotiv this winter. Why did that not happen and would you still buy Pavlyuchenko, if the German striker did arrive?»

«Yes, we would. They are completely different forwards that serve different functions on the pitch. As for Podolsky, unfortunately the main reason for failure in this deal was the unprecedented inadequacy of his club’s reaction.

They broke all possible rules, written and unwritten. Publishing another club’s letter in a newspaper is just despicable. I want to warn every club that intends to deal with Cologne of their total unprofessionalism.» Smorodskaya said on Russian national television.