Bayer Leverkusen manager Robin Dutt defends decision to start http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Ballack-c25270 ahead of Simon Rolfes
Bayer Leverkusen manager Robin Dutt has defended his decision to start Michael Ballack ahead of Simon Rolfes in the clash against Werder Bremen on Sunday. Although the hosts won the clash, the manager has come under scrutiny for
benching Rolfes and favouring Ballack for the starting role.
Werkself defeated Bremen 1-0 in the Bundesliga fixture courtesy a http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michal-Kadlec-c25422 goal in the 85th minute. Ballack was substituted in the 83rd minute and Rolfes came on. The midfielder made an instant impact
and was involved for the only goal in the match asking questions on the manager’s team selection.
Earlier this week, Dutt had stated that Ballack and Rolfes are too similar players to play together in the central midfield. He revealed that the two will not play together in the three man midfield for the team.
The tactician insisted that Ballack had a good game and all the players put in some impressive performances. He also hailed the impact Rolfes made after coming on and heaped praise on the midfielder.
“Ballack played well - like the rest of the team. He really got involved. It says a lot about http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Simon-Rolfes-c33564 that he came on in the 80th minute and immediately set up a goal,” he was quoted as saying in an interview.
However, Dutt refused to take any criticism and stated that it was a team performance and stood by his decision to start Ballack. He admitted that the former German national team captain also played a vital role in warming thing
up whereas Rolfes applied the finishing touches.
“I solved the problem perfectly. Ballack warmed things up, Rolfes set up the goal. We won 1-0. How could we want anything more?” he continued.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SC-Freiburg-c40462 manager also commented on the slow start to the season claiming that it takes time for a new manager’s tactics to get in place.
“A new coach always brings something different and the players have to get used to it. It's normal in football,” he concluded.
Bayer Leverkusen will next take on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/VfB-Stuttgart-c40879 on Saturday.
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