Joachim Loew Sees Sense Over Ballack
Following his public criticism of Joachim Low and the equally public apology a few days later, Michael Ballack got himself over to Frankfurt to sort it out in person.
The whole thing was dealt with on Thursday, although an announcement was withheld until yesterday, giving Munich newspaper Abendzeitung just enough time to run a story claiming the 32-year-old midfielder was all set to resign his captaincy as a bargaining tool to continue playing for his country.
However, as is often the case, the press got it wrong because Low said in a statement yesterday: "I am delighted that an excellent national team player, who has played a major part in our success over the last few years is still available for selection and will continue to help us in achieving the goals we have set on the way to the 2010 World Cup. Michael Ballack remains my captain."
Low made it clear that Ballack has had his knuckles firmly rapped and must never be a naughty boy again, as he said: “It was important that we were very open with this discussion.
"Even as captain, he must understand he has to abide by the rules. He knows he can talk to me about anything, keeping it internal. But all sporting and personnel decisions are made by the coaching team and I have made this unmistakably clear to Michael.”
A suitably chastised Ballack said after his telling off: “I realised it was not right to go public and I also regret the impression was created that I wanted to criticise Joachim Low in his position as Germany coach personally. I have apologised to Joachim Low for that. He is the Germany coach and he takes the decisions and we all have to accept that.
"I have no doubt that, after this discussion with Joachim Low, we can realise our goals with the national team in a good atmosphere.”
The general consensus seems to be that despite Ballack’s outburst, Joachim Low would have been cutting off his nose to spite his face had he got rid of Ballack.
Bad behaviour or not, former Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer got it spot on when he said: “Ballack is the best player we have at the moment, the only one of real world class. He has become a really good captain these last few years. A coach cannot do without such a player.”
