SPORTS> Soccer
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SPORTS> Soccer
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Germany coach Loew meets captain Ballack after dispute
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-31 11:21 BERLIN - Germany coach Joachim Loew held talks with his captain Michael Ballack in Frankfurt on Thursday following their public disagreement over team selection.
The German football association (DFB) confirmed on its website (www.dfb.de) that the meeting had taken place but gave no details on the outcome. "There will be a statement on Friday concerning the meeting," the DFB said. It added that Ballack was given permission to fly to Germany for the talks by his Premier League club Chelsea and had flown back immediately after the meeting. Loew reacted furiously to comments from Ballack, published last week, suggesting senior players were not being given enough respect in the national team. His remarks followed those from Torsten Frings saying he was considering his international future after being left out of the starting lineup for the last two World Cup qualifiers. Loew issued a strongly worded statement in response, saying Ballack would have to agree to meet him in person and his future role in the team would depend on how the talks went. There was speculation in German media on Thursday that Ballack might surrender his captaincy or have it taken away but continue to play for the national team.
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