http://www.bundesliga.de/en/liga/news/2009/index.php?f=162041.phpInternational
01.09.2010 16:44:13
Löw confirms Ballack to continue as captain
National team coach Joachim Löw (r.) with captain Michael Ballack (m.) and vice-captain Philipp LahmFrankfurt/Main - Ahead of the opening UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers and almost two months after Philipp Lahm put in his claim to take over from Michael Ballack as captain of Germany, national team coach Joachim Löw has delivered his verdict on the issue.
"Michael Ballack will remain the captain of our team, Philipp Lahm will be the vice-captain", Löw announced on Wednesday. "I don't think Michael's in the shape yet to help us out at the moment, so Philipp will be wearing the armband for the two upcoming matches", the coach added.
Neuer number oneLöw also stated that Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will remain the number one choice between the posts for Germany's campaign to reach the finals of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine in two years time. Leverkusen's Rene Adler and Tim Wiese of Bremen are equally-ranked understudies to Neuer, who stepped in for the injured Adler at the World Cup in South Africa.
The coach had discussed the captaincy situation at length with 98-time international Ballack at the start of the week. "I spoke openly and honestly with him. Michael has done an immense job for the national team, but he's been out injured for three months and needs to regain his form. He realises he's not back at the level we're used to from him. We had a frank discussion about what I hope and expect to see from him... I'll make a fresh decision in October as to whether he's ready to help us again."
Sticking to World Cup tried-and-testedBastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are thus set to resume the successful partnership they forged in South Africa. The duo "completely fulfilled my expectations at the World Cup and have earned their place as the holding midfielders for the moment", Löw explained, but: "A Michael Ballack in top form further strengthens our side. On top of which, we need more players for this qualification marathon than for a finals tournament."
Likely Germany line-up against Belgium (Friday September 3rd)Neuer - Lahm, Mertesacker, Westermann, Jansen - Khedira, Schweinsteiger - Müller, Özil, Podolski - Klose
