Michael Ballack Not Forgiven For Outburst?
Ballack questioned Low’s decision to leave Torsten Frings out of the starting XI in Germany’s World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Wales, he also – again via the press – suggested Low had demonstrated a lack of respect in doing so.
A suitably cheesed off Low then demanded Ballack present himself in Germany to offer an explanation although Chelsea decided to protect their interest in the player who continues to recover from foot surgery, and refused him permission to travel.
Ballack has since issued a statement, admitting his mistake and publicly apologising for his actions, with the promise of a personal apology as soon as possible. Ballack stated “I must acknowledge it was unfortunately an error to choose this way (to communicate). I will meet with Joachim Low as soon as my health allows and I will apologise to him for my behaviour.”
Low, in turn, has acknowledged Ballack’s statement but has made no promises regarding the midfielder’s role within the national side, saying “I have registered the explanation of Michael Ballack. The personal discussion is much more important. Afterwards, I will give a concluding statement.”
However, even if some serious face-to-face grovelling does eventually prove to be enough for Low, it would seem the president of the German Football Association, Theo Zwanziger, is less than convinced at Ballack’s sincerity.
Of the previous model professional he says “The apology has taken the edge off the conflict and at least it has now been clarified that the mistake clearly lay with our captain.” Tut, tut Michael, this bloke’s clearly not happy with you because he goes on “Now we certainly have to face the question: How reasonable is Michael Ballack? Is the apology only tactics or is it really meant honestly?”
Something tells me Herr Ballack ain’t in for an easy ride!
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