Ballack has a go at Low

October 23, 2008

Germany captain Micheal Ballack is set for a confrontation with Germany manager Joachim Low over comments he made about the manager dropping Torsten Frings from this months 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Low said: “I am disappointed with what he has said. What happens next depends on our conversation.”
Ballack questioned Low’s respect for the senior players.

“If he (Frings) is no longer wanted, he should be told so honestly. Respect and loyalty is the least you can expect as a deserving national team player.”

Ballack said he also felt sympathy for Kevin Kuranyi after he walked out on the team during their recent match over Russia and Low has said he will never pick the forward again.

Low added: “Quite often in the past, we have asked Michael Ballack as captain to address things which he sees critically or differently.

“The fact that he chose to air these criticisms of our work in the media is utterly wrong and incomprehensible. No player, and the captain isn’t an exception, has the right to criticise the selection policy or decisions of the coach, or to level public criticism against the team.

“I will call Michael Ballack and insist on a meeting in Germany. The decision I make will depend on this conversation.”

Zwanziger said: “I am disappointed with Michael Ballack over his style. His comments have led to a complicated and difficult situation developing.

“The team has developed in a very positive way in the last few years and therefore I don’t understand the fact there has been criticism from the team aimed at Joachim Low in the media.

“Such comments are absolutely inappropriate. In the interest of the success of the team, the authority of the national team coach must have the highest priority.”

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