VAALS, Netherlands, June 9 (Reuters) - Germany coach Erich Ribbeck is particularly concerned about the threat posed by Gheorghe Hagi when the European champions begin the defence of their title against Romania.

'Romania have an exceptional player in Hagi,' Ribbeck said on Friday. 'He showed just how he important he is to a team in the UEFA Cup final and he has already proved that he can do for his country what he did for Galatasaray.'

The 35-year-old Hagi, whose playmaking skills inspired the Istanbul club to UEFA Cup success, has been injured but looked fully fit as he trained with Romania near Brussels.

'What we have to do is find a way to limit his influence,' Ribbeck said.

But according to Romania midfielder Dorinel Munteanu, that is easier said than done.

'At the moment there is not one German player who is capable of stopping Hagi,' Munteanu said.

Only when Ribbeck has decided if veteran libero Lothar Matthaeus is fit enough to play will the coach be able to work out a plan.