Frankfurt - Joachim Loew believes there is plenty of room for improvement in his Germany team as the Euro 2008 finalists continue their efforts to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"We can all improve. We have to work harder in areas like tactics and pace, we aren't where we want to be," Loew told Deutsche Presse- Agentur dpa.

Loew also admitted that the row with captain Michael Ballack and veteran midfield Torsten Frings had had adverse effect on the team.

"In future, we are going to avoid carrying these discussions out in public," he said.

The row erupted following Loew's decision to drop Frings in two World Cup qualifiers, which led the Werder Bremen star to publicly lambast his coach.

Ballack also criticized the move, saying it showed a lack of respect for long-time Germany players. Loew subsequently ordered Ballack to apologize. As a result, Ballack remained on the team and its captain as well.

Rather than dwelling on the past, Loew preferred to focus on the future and trying to emulate free-flowing Spain, the side that beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna.

"It's obvious that we have to optimise our work and and we have done the necessary analysis accordingly," he said.

"We have to qualify for the World Cup, integrate young players, improve infrastructure, optimise new talent," added Loew.

Bayern Munich are the only German team in the last 16 of the Champions League, a tournament Loew feels is vital for his players.

"That's where the best and most intensive football is played," said the 48-year-old. "It's very important for every player to prove himself in the Champions League."

Loew also believes there is still a place for Ballack und Frings, starting with the international against Norway on February 11 in Dusseldorf.

"If they remain free from injury and the preparations are in order," said Loew. "Michael Ballack won't have a winter break in England so should be up to the pace. If Torsten Frings shows his normal level of performance at Werder Bremen then he will be valuable to the team." (dpa)