Germany's Arne Friedrich expects to call the shots when his side is on the defensive at the World Cup, but he admits the squad's communications have been breaking down off the pitch.

Germany arrived in South Africa on Monday and Joachim Loew's players have each been issued with a brand-new mobile phone, with their team-mates numbers already loaded, so the squad can all stay in touch.

But while the phones work fine for calls back to family in Germany, the team are having problems reaching each other - even in the grounds of their luxury five-star hotel.

"We have been all kitted out with mobiles and tried to phone each other, but they don't work," explained centre-back Friedrich with Germany set to open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Durban on Sunday in Group D.

"We have tried to call each other for fun, but the phones don't work so well. I can phone my girlfriend back in Berlin, but not my team-mates down here."

Problems with receiving calls is of particular concern for the Hertha Berlin captain who is looking to leave the capital city club after last season's relegation from the Bundesliga.

He is expected to announce his new club in the wake of the World Cup.

Friedrich said his agent is looking to find him a new home, but for now the World Cup remains his main focus.

"The fact is a decision hasn't been made yet," he said.

"I am likely to leave Hertha Berlin and join a new club.

"My advisor is talking to the clubs who are interested in me, the talks have been very successful.

"I won't make any more comments until we have concrete information, but I am cool about the situation."

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