Podolski is 'Mike Tyson' of Germany

German international striker Lukas Podolski was described as "football's little Mike Tyson" on Friday by the player's club coach Stale Solbakken.

"When I see his physique, Lukas Podolski is football's little Mike Tyson," said Cologne's Norwegian boss Solbakken as he reflected on the striker's 1.82m and 83kg build in an interview with Sky.

The coach insisted that he has an excellent working relationship with Podolski despite relieving him of the captaincy at the start of the season.

"I have spoken to Lukas a lot about this. He was obviously disappointed but he understood the reasons."