Leverkusen CEO: Ballack has failed to deliver
Reuters - Friday 27 January 2012, 09:54
Bayer Leverkusen playmaker
Michael Ballack has failed to deliver in his 20 months at the
Bundesliga club after joining in 2010 from Chelsea, club CEO
Wolfgang Holzhauser said on Friday.
The former Germany captain, who lost his spot in the
national team last year after missing the 2010 World Cup through
injury, has not always done his part for the good of the team,
Holzhauser told Cologne's Express newspaper.
"The time has come for all of us to admit that our thoughts
of 20 months ago have not been realised," Holzhauser said.
Ballack returned to Leverkusen, with whom he lost in the
2002 Champions League final, with great expectations but failed
to hold on to a regular spot due to a string of injuries.
Last season's Bundesliga runners-up have qualified, however,
for the Champions League round of 16 where they face Barcelona,
with Ballack contributing a goal and two assists in the six
group stage matches.
"From Michael Ballack we expected more on a sporting level
and he surely expected more from himself," said Holzhauser.
"He should think about whether his behaviour is for the good
of the club. [Sports Director] Rudi Voller and myself have
talked to him this week but unfortunately without success,"
Holzhauser said.
The 35-year-old was taken off on the hour in their 3-2 win
against Mainz 05 last week, shaking his head and refusing to
acknowledge coach Robin Dutt.
Ballack has said the current campaign would most likely be
his last for Leverkusen but he intended to continue his career
for a couple of years longer.