Ballack reveals 'harsh words'

Germany captain rallied team-mates after Croatia defeat

By James Dall   Last updated: 25th June 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ballack reveals 'harsh words'

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Michael Ballack is confident Germany can claim glory at Euro 2008 after revealing he voiced 'a few harsh words' to the squad and coaching staff.

Pre-tournament favourites Germany suffered a setback in their second Group B game after they were stunned by Croatia, losing the encounter 2-1.

However, Joachim Low's side have responded since the defeat, downing co-hosts Austria before disposing of Portugal in the last-eight.

And, ahead of Wednesday evening's semi-final encounter with Turkey, Ballack has explained how he let his feelings known to the Germany squad after their disappointment against the Croats.

Crisis meeting

"As a squad we sat down and talked," Ballack said in the Daily Mirror. "I wouldn't call it a crisis meeting but you have to be honest with yourselves and each other when things go wrong.

"I had a few harsh words to say, but everybody had to understand, and quickly. We agreed that we had to return to our traditional strengths as a side.

"We were missing creativity, relaxation, ease and self-belief and we agreed we had to change something. Joachim agreed too.

"I've worked with Joachim for four years now. He has his ideas and he knows mine. We often talk and he asks me my opinions, so we have got to know each other more and more. It means I have an input into his thoughts."

Ballack went on to outline his determination to lift the European Championship trophy after he suffered the heartache of a semi-final exit at the 2006 World Cup.

Motivation

"Many of us were in the side that lost to Italy in the World Cup semi-final. We remember how that hurt but it is not a burden for us. In fact, it is a motivation," he continued.

"That game we lost to a goal in the 118th minute and now this Turkish team is the best example of late goals and of the fact that you should never give up.

"We don't underestimate anybody. That suggestion is totally wrong. Everyone will be burning with passion for the victory."