Wolfgang Holzhauser: Michael Ballack is still the key to Leverkusen’s success – Bundesliga news
Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser believes that midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Ballack-c25270 still has a role to play in the club’s success. He was talking after his team’s loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their opening Champions League
tie.
The Werkself found themselves 2-0 down immediately after Ballack was substituted in the 66th minute.
Holzhauser says that the veteran midfielder is an integral member of the club who will be difficult to replace once his contract expires next year. Ballack reunited with Leverkusen in 2010 having previously served the club for three years (1999-2002). His
current contract is due to expire at the end of this year’s campaign.
The president stated that Ballack certainly played his part against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786, single handedly guarding the midfield for the time he was on the pitch. Wolfgang believes that had the midfielder stayed on for the whole of 90 minutes, Leverkusen might have ended
up with a point from their outing. He still reserved praise for his side for the spirit shown by the players both on and off the field.
The tactician is confident of returning the favour in the second leg, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 23, at BayArena.
While talking to the local newspaper, the president further enthused, "It's obvious our plans did not work out with regard to him. We had earmarked Michael Ballack as a key player in our team and not just as a squad player last season. We had expected him
to have a certain leading role inside the setup. But I still believe he will become vital to us. He may be able to help us out in one or two very special situations and I believe that he will, which is more than some other people believe right now."
The 34-year-old so far has made 18 league appearances for the club after rejoining in 2010 but is yet to open his account. He retired from international football last year after winning 98 caps for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904, netting 42 goals in return.
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