Michael Ballack Rekindles Germany Captaincy Debate, Hits Out At Philipp Lahm

Speaking to German outlet Express today, Ballack made clear his displeasure with Lahm’s captaincy aspirations - or, at least how they were expressed:

When Ballack says “you shouldn’t do something like that,” he means speak the truth. Philipp Lahm was asked whether he would want to stay captain. He said yes. He didn’t put out a press release or otherwise start a media campaign, and in saying he wouldn’t mind keeping the armband, he was merely exhibiting the same qualities that gave him the captaincy in the first place. But those qualities have threatened Ballack, who would rather Lahm be disingenuous about his ambitions. Ballack could acknowledge Lahm’s desires, say I have no intention of giving up the captaincy, but I’m sure Philipp will make a great captain one day. Instead, Ballack trudges on the low road.