TENORA (Switzerland), June 23: While Lukas Podolski’s strong performances for Germany at the European Championship may help him relaunch his club career, it may not happen with Bayern Munich.

After scoring three goals in the group stage and being one of Germany’s top players, Podolski has a shot at topping the scorers’ list, especially if Germany beats Turkey in Wednesday’s semifinal in Basel.

“Before the tournament, I did not expect to have three goals already by now, but I feel very good, in top shape,” Podolski said Monday at Germany’s training base in southern Switzerland.

Spain’s David Villa leads the tournament with four goals.

“I hope we will meet in the final,” said Podolski, who knows Villa from the shooting of an advertising film for a common sponsor.

Podolski’s strong play at the tournament have thrust him back at the center of attention in Germany. Moreover, he has been playing in left midfield or on the left wing, not in his usual position as striker.

He became one of Germany’s most popular players before and during the 2006 World Cup at home, when he earned the title of the best young player as Germany finished third.

The fans also liked his uncomplicated personality, ready smile and crisp, often snappy but funny answers in media interviews.

On the field, Podolski’s play reflected his personality, with swift runs to the goal and powerful shooting, usually with his stronger left foot.

Bayern Munich, the country’s leading and richest club, reacted promptly signed him up starting with the season immediately after the World Cup.

But Podolski never managed to become a regular starter in the star-studded lineup, even when Bayern lured his World Cup partner Miroslav Klose from Werder Bremen. He scored five goals in 25 games, but came off the bench in 17 of them.

“The past two years have not been simple. I did not play a lot,” Podolski said. “But I am playing well here and that’s what matters.”

“I feel here the coach has faith in me,” Podolski said.

That is something that he has been missing at Bayern, Podolski repeated in several recent interviews.-

German newspapers are rife with speculation that Podolski will return to FC Cologne, his former club that has regained promotion to the top division.—AP