Joachim Low has confirmed he will meet with Michael Ballack over his recent public outburst.
Germany coach to discuss comments with captain
Michael Ballack's role as captain of Germany could be under threat after manager Joachim Low confirmed he will meet with the midfielder over his recent comments.
Low was left 'astonished' after the Chelsea player publicly criticised his decision not to include Torsten Frings in his starting XIs for the recent World Cup qualifying wins over Russia and Wales.
The Germany coach explained he will demand a meeting with Ballack in a bid to resolve the growing friction after he deemed his comments inappropriate.
"I will call Michael Ballack and insist on a meeting in Germany," Low told the German Football Federation's (DFB)
official website.
Outcome
"I am extremely disappointed by the manner and content of what he has said - I can not accept this.
"What happens after that, and the decision I make, will depend on this conversation.
"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."
Inappropriate
DFB president Theo Zwanziger added: "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."
