Podolski unhappy with defeat

Lukas Podolski says Germany must improve if they are to succeed at Euro 2012 following their 5-3 defeat to Switzerland.

Joachim Low's side are considered one of the favourites for the title ahead of the tournament but suffered a surprise defeat to their neighbours on Saturday, leading a number of pundits to question whether or not Die Mannschaft are as good as previously thought. In their defence, Germany were without a number of key players, as the likes of Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger were all allowed to miss the game following their club side Bayern Munich's defeat in the recent Champions League final. However, Podolski says there is no excuse for how they played against the Swiss and admits they have 'a lot of work to do' over the next few weeks. "We have to be ready to take some criticism in the next days. That is normal after such a game. But our plan is to be fit for the first match, that is our way," he told Goal.com. "Sure, such a loss hurts but we go forward. Switzerland have played very well and we're not yet where we want to be. We've got a lot of work to do."