Philipp Lahm, who captained Germany at the 2010 World Cup in the absence of veteran Michael Ballack, who was injured on the eve of the tournament, says he’s OKwith Coach Joachim Loew‘s decision to retain Ballack as permanent skipper for the Euro 2012 campaign.
The issue had become a nationwide controversy because of Lahm’spopularity and Lahm’s comments during the World Cup that he wanted to keep the captain’s armband even when Ballack returned. Lahm will be captain against Belgium on Friday because the 34-year-oldBallack is still recovering.
“You have to accept such decisions,” said Lahm. “Now it is up to me to lead the team again in the next two games as captain. I am looking forward to it and Ihave the confidence of the players around me and I am looking forward to leading them.”
Ballack has clashed with both teammates and coaches on and off the field.