Germany coach Joachim Leow has delivered his verdict concerning the raging issue of the captaincy of the national team with World Cup stand-in Phillip Lahm making a strong claim to the post.
Leow has incidentally, stuck with his substantive Michael Ballack who missed the World Cup through injury ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifiers.
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| "Michael Ballack will remain the captain of our team, Philipp Lahm will be the vice-captain", Löw announced on Wednesday. |
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I don't think Michael's in the shape yet to help us out at the moment, so Philipp will be wearing the armband for the two upcoming matches", the coach added.
Leow also announced that Shalke goalie Manuel Nauer will remain his No.1 choice in between the sticks for the team with Leverkusen's Rene Adler and Tim Wiese of Bremen equally-ranked understudies to Neuer, who stepped in for the injured Adler at the World Cup in South Africa.
The coach had discussed the captaincy situation at length with 98-time international Ballack at the start of the week.
"I spoke openly and honestly with him. Michael has done an immense job for the national team, but he's been out injured for three months and needs to regain his form.
"He realises he's not back at the level we're used to from him. We had a frank discussion about what I hope and expect to see from him... I'll make a fresh decision in October as to whether he's ready to help us again."
The decision to leave out Ballack from the two games against Belgium and Azerbaijan means the formidable midfield duo of Sami Khedira and Bastien Schweinsteiger at the World Cup continues.
"The duo completely fulfilled my expectations at the World Cup and have earned their place as the holding midfielders for the moment", Löw explained, but: "A Michael Ballack in top form further strengthens our side. On top of which, we need more players for this qualification marathon than for a finals tournament."
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