Ballack refutes fitness ‘slurs’

MICHAEL BALLACK hit back at suggestions he could have done more to get himself fit for Germany’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica tonight.

Ballack, the Germany captain, sustained a calf injury in last Friday’s friendly against Colombia.

He then enjoyed a two-day break with his family in Munich before reporting the problem to team doctors upon his arrival at Germany’s base in Berlin.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann was forced to announce his captain would not be available for the tournament opener. The situation has prompted discussion in Germany, especially after the 29-year-old revealed on Tuesday he “preferred to spend the Sunday with his family rather than checking in early”.

But Ballack has hit back at his critics. “I defend myself against claims I have acted in an unprofessional way,” Ballack said after the team’s arrival in Munich. “Such accusations are ridiculous. The things which have been said and reported about me are close to slurring my reputation. Contrary to all speculation, I drove home after the Colombia match without having any problems. I first sensed a slight pain on Sunday evening and then immediately consulted the team doctors on my arrival in Berlin on Monday.”

Ballack’s absence has not dented Germany’s World Cup fever, according to Klinsmann, who refuses to be downbeat about the situation and has instead opted to take a positive outlook, insisting the loss will “give the team an additional boost”.

“Everyone who is yet to secure a place in the starting line-up will be desperate to get in,” he said.

Klinsmann, however, feels it is “no tragedy” not to have the Chelsea star available.

“The team would have loved to have their captain on board,” he said. “It is a pity because we were in great shape but it is not a problem.”

Werder Bremen’s Tim Borowski looks set to take Ballack´s place after impressing in Germany´s 7-0 victory over Luxembourg, which Ballack missed with an ankle strain.

“We have two players for every position and if one player is not fit, there is another one waiting to fill in,” Klinsmann added.A lot of pressure will rest on the shoulders of Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who at the age of 36 will make his World Cup debut after being on the bench for the last four major tournaments. Lehmann has beaten Bayern Munich star Oliver Kahn to the number one spot, but has no fears about playing at his rival’s home ground tonight.

Third-choice keeper Timo Hildebrand joins Ballack on the injured list with a back injury, while the Polish-born attacking duo of Miroslav Klose, who bagged 25 Bundesliga goals this season, and youngster Lukas Podolski seem certain to start up front.

Meanwhile, Ballack has denied demanding a guarantee of first-team football at new club Chelsea.

The German international will join the likes of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Claude Makelele, Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Michael Essien in vying for midfield positions in Jose Mourinho’s team next season, but Ballack denies he ever put pressure on the manager.Ballack declared: “That was never the case. I would never make that demand.”

“I am flexible in midfield. I can play an attacking or defensive role and Jose knows my strengths, my ability to score goals. Now it is a question of proving myself to him on the pitch, reproducing those things that impressed him.”

The 29-year-old is adamant he has made the right choice in joining Chelsea, even though he was courted by United and Real Madrid when it became clear he would not sign a new deal with Bayern.

Ballack believes England have the edge over Germany in the World Cup because of their experience and, despite the tournament being held on home soil, the expectations are not so high. “We have a very young side with many players around 20 years old compared to a team like England who are much more experienced,” said Ballack.