World Cup 2010 FIFA

The controversial figure of Kevin Kuranyi has caused Schalke coach Felix Magath to attack Germany boss Joachim Loew over his handling of the prolific striker. Having fallen out with die Mannschaft’s general in the past, Kuranyi offered an apology to the coach recently, though it is not yet clear if Loew is prepared to let bygones be bygones and select the forward in his 23-man panel to travel to the World Cup in the summer.

“If the national coach has not decided after 30 game days, can we not just wait until after the 34th to round it off? Then he is smarter,” Magath sarcastically stated to Bild.

German legend Guenter Netzer, who is now working in the media, echoed the coach’s pleas, though in a somewhat lighter manner.

“It is clear that Jogi Loew must make the decision soon. It's time. Kevin Kuranyi just has to keep playing well,” the 65-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Magath has taken a newly positive stance on Schalke’s title aspirations, stating: “We are the only team that can still beat Bayern. We’re two points behind and catching up. The fact that Bayern are in the semi-finals of the Champions League could cost them points in the league.”

Kuranyi has netted 17 times for the Koenigsblauen this season, and Magath is clearly confident in his striker’s ability to fire Schalke to the Bundesliga title.