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Hitzfeld praises Luca Toni

Hitzfeld praises Luca Toni


Hitzfeld praises Luca Toni

Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has praised his Italian striker Luca Toni for his recent performances. Toni scored a key goal during the UEFA Cup games against Portuguese side Belenenses at the Estadio do Restelo.

"Luca Toni is unbelievably ruthless," said Hitzfeld on Friday.

"The opening goal relieved the tension, and we played to our potential after that.

"We've done what we had to do, and we're through to the group phase.

"My team had a lot to lose, and that'll always be in the back of the players' minds.

"Apart from Ze Roberto in midfield, none of my players can be proud of the first half."

Toni has been an instant hit since his 11 million euros (15 million dollars) switch from Italian side Fiorentina last summer and has forged an elite partnership with Miroslav Klose and the pair have 14 Bundesliga goals between them.

"Belenenses were a very well organised team, and we had trouble breaking them down," said the 30-year-old Italian.

"We needed to be more patient, bide our time and wait for the breakthrough."