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Langer celebrating the 2004 Ryder Cup triumph
Bernhard Langer has not ruled out a second stint as European Ryder Cup captain, but insists he would only return to the post if asked.
The German was victorious as skipper in 2004 when he led Europe to a convincing 18½-9½ over America at Oakland Hills.
And Langer, an outside candidate to land the role for Celtic Manor in 2010, admits he would have done things differently to Nick Faldo, who attracted criticism over his leadership during Europe's heavy defeat in September.
But the 51-year-old said he would only consider the job if approached by the Ryder Cup committee.
"I haven't been asked. I think there are a lot of other guys who want to be captain and they should have a chance too," he said.
"It's not what I want. It's the committee that decides who should be captain, and that's the right way to do it."
Criticise
Europe suffered their worst defeat in 27 years at Valhalla this year, with Faldo faulted over his final-day singles line-up, when he picked the best players last even though the team was trailing.
He also had a mixed performance in front of the media and was embarrassed when a photographer snapped him holding his secret list of foursomes, which he briefly tried to pass off as sandwich orders.
"I don't hear and read and see everything that's said and done so it's maybe not for me to criticise. I just noticed a couple of things I would have done different," added Langer.
"We're different people, we've got a different style of leadership.
"I don't know what went on behind closed doors in the players' room and the players' meeting, and that's where it all happens so I can't really comment on it."
Langer and Faldo are both competing in the upcoming Hong Kong Open, along with fellow major-winners Jose Maria Olazabal, Michael Campbell and Paul Lawrie.
Comments (1)
Hugh O'connor says...
It's important for the 2010 Ryder Cup that we don't talk about the captain in terms of Nick Faldo, no more than in terms of Woosnam or Langer in 2004. Each Cup is a new set of matches, and we've got to move on. I personally don't agree with a lot of what Faldo did, but it's over. That said, I don't think he should be picked again for another Ryder Cup. Langer was a fantastic captain in 2004 - he has a lot of respect from all the players out on Tour as a guy who's still out there winning tournaments and money lists. He's performed brilliantly on both the European and US Seniors Tours this year. No one can doubt that he's still got the competitive edge. Jose Maria Olazabal will be a fantastic captain, but who knows when he'll stop trying to make the team himself?
Posted 15:23 18th November 2008