Late additions welcome says Germany coach Klinsmann

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, seen here addressing hte media, made it clear late newcomers would be welcome in his 23-man World Cup squad which will be announced in Berlin on May 14

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann made it clear late newcomers would be welcome in his 23-man World Cup squad which will be announced in Berlin on May 14.

Speaking at a two-day, get-together with 26 of his international players, Klinsmann said: "From now on, the doors are open to everyone."

He added he was happy with the form of the players about five months before the tournament's opening match which pits them against Costa Rica on June 9.

Of the 28 internationals called-up, only Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann and Chelsea defender Robert Huth were not released for the weekend of physical tests and publicity appearances.

"We have done a lot of publicity for our sponsors, but from now on, we want to focus completely on the sporting aspect," continued Klinsmann, who said the weekend was also a chance to forge a stronger team spirit.

The squad will next get together on February 26 in Frankfurt before the first of four World Cup warm-up matches against Italy on March 1 in Florence.

"We are taking this match very seriously and are very optimistic. We want to beat Italy," Klinsmann added.

Germany's other friendlies before the June 9 to July 9 football extraganza are against the United States, Japan and Colombia.