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February 9, 2012
'I'm the captain,' insists angry Ballack
Published: 15 Jul 10 08:15 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/sport/20100715-28519.html
German captain Michael Ballack hit back at his World Cup replacement Philipp Lahm Wednesday night, vowing in sharp tones he would stay on as the skipper despite Lahm's push to take over full-time.
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"I am the captain of the national team," said Ballack. "Philipp Lahm has made his claim at a moment that I feel is inopportune. I was injured and could not defend myself.
"There are hierarchies. I am going to talk to Philipp about this business."
Lahm was given the armband for the World Cup in South Africa when the 33-year-old Ballack, who has captained the side since 2004, injured his ankle playing for Chelsea at the end of May.
With Germany reaching the semi-finals, the 26-year-old Lahm went on record to say that he would not hand back the captaincy unless told to do so by coach Joachim Löw.
The issue has cast a light shadow over Germany's World Cup campaign which saw them win rave reviews for their four-goal thrashings of Australia, England and Argentina.
It is also dividing the team with midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, a teammate of Lahm's at Bayern Munich, pouring oil on the fire on Sunday by declaring that he considered Ballack to be ''the'' captain of the national team.
"For me, it is Ballack who is the captain. Philipp took on the role solely becasue Michael was injured," he told the daily Die Welt.
Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff ticked Lahm off at the time but another ex-international Lothar Matthaus suggested during the World Cup that Germany is better off without Ballack.
"I don't mean that in a spiteful way but Ballack was arguably holding up a number of players who've now blossomed," said Matthaus.
Löw, who has yet to sign a new deal with the German football federation after guiding Germany to third place in South Africa, has not commented on the brouhaha.
AFP/The Local (news@thelocal.de)
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Your comments about this article:
It's the media who hit Ballack when he was down, not Lame.
I like Michael Ballack as a player and he was good for Germany but even in 2006 he didn't seem to have the necessary leadership skills. And then to get into a row with your trainer, Joachim Löw? To be a leader you first must be a follower. From the replays Ballack earned his ligament damage the old fashioned way. It truly was unfortunate for Michael but for Germany this year it was a blessing. They would not have performed as well as they did with Michael.
Bastian is right only because he understands the process and the politics behind the scenes. Then again he may be thinking of his own aspirations.
But if I have to choose between Ballack and Lahm, I'll vote for Lahm. Ballack is an amazing player, and I will always admire him. But... his prime time is over. It's better to give Lahm the opportunity to become captain now, and thus he will have at least 2 years to refine his leadership skill.
I agree with Matthaeus in this matter: it's a blessing in disguise that Ballack didn't fit enough to join the World Cup. Everything happens for a reason... and... in this case, it might happen because the young guns need NOT to be overshadowed :)
It's unfortunate that Ballack wasn't able to play in the most important games. It's rather strange in how he, for some reason or another, missed the most important ones. Although he played in the Euro Championship against Spain, he was not however truly healthy.
It's the same for many stars in other sports too. It is simply difficult to walk away, even when it's time.
Yes, that is what caught my eye as well...
otherwise "Let the best Man lead" and if that can't happen then let Ballack lead.
Have you any evidence to back up your claim that the referees were corrupt? Incompetent to be sure, but corrupt? You should exercise a little restraint before engaging in defamation.
Granted, I have no evidence to support my claim! :-)
By the way, if he is confident he is the captain, why say it then angrily ?? Something cooking behind which we need to know Herr Ballack ??
Lahm showed the most in control captaincy ever, Bastian, he has got to understand Lahm's calmness impact to the team impressive performance in South Africa before make any baseless comment!
Ballack, gosh, he has to learn to put aside his personal importance for the sake of the team just like Klose did when he made clear to the coach he couldnt perform at his best against Uruguay although that could be his last chance to break Ronaldo's record!
Last but not least, DON'T DESTROY TEAM'S UNITY OVER DAMN EGO! I've been supporting you guys simply because I believe Germany team has the less ego than any team in this ego and cocky football world! So don't destroy that trust! dammit!
It is not for Ballack to say that 'I am the captain.' He was the aptain - before the World Cup. But the World Cup has shown that Germany plays well without him.
It is Ballack who needs Germany and not Germany that needs Ballack.
He was given all honors for many years. His time is past. Let him play two more games as a substitute and achieve 100 caps for the team.
And let Phillip Lahm lead Germany into the future.
Precious few. Almost as bad as Gómez in this regard (and I don't know why Gómez even plays on the national team). So, although he might come back as Captain between now and the EM 2012, perhaps he should sit on the bench!