Ballack's role as Germany captain under threat

Germany coach Joachim Loew summoned Michael Ballack to a meeting and hinted strongly that his future as captain was under threat yesterday after the midfielder publicly criticised his handling of selection issues.

Loew strongly reprimanded Ballack but said he would wait to speak to him in person before deciding what, if any, action to take after the Chelsea player called for senior players to be shown more respect.

"I will tell Michael that I'm extremely disappointed about the route he has chosen to take, and that his comments are unacceptable," Loew said in a statement released by the German FA.

"I cannot accept it and I will insist on the meeting... My decision on everything else will depend on how that conversation goes."

Ballack, speaking in an interview with FAZ newspaper, was critical of the coach for his treatment towards Torsten Frings, who is considering his future in the national team after being dropped for the last two World Cup qualifiers.

"If you don't want someone anymore you should say so openly," Ballack said when asked about his midfield colleague.

"Respect and loyalty are the least you can expect as an experienced national team player," added Ballack, who said he hoped Frings would decide to prolong his international career.

Ballack made specific mention of Oliver Kahn and Christian Woerns, other ex-national team players he felt were harshly treated by Loew's predecessor Juergen Klinsmann.