Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger doesn't doubt the motivation of his German World Cup winners.
Wenger gave Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski extra time off to recharge their batteries after the World Cup.
"It is hard for these players to be motivated again straight away. But that's why I gave them four weeks' break this summer.
"They were due back on August 5 but when they won the World Cup I knew that would be impossible - they had to parade the trophy in Germany for four days!
"That's why I sent them a text telling them to stay away until the 11th. It was the right decision.
"I remember after France '98, it took our French players some time to refocus - especially Petit, who had some physical problems from the tournament.
"But once you are with your friends - and if you are a winner, even if you did win the World Cup, that doesn't change.
"What's important is what's in front of you. If you've not played well, you've not won the game, you're angry. That's when you want to win the next game."
