Loew hints again Ballack’s Germany days are over

Germany coach Joachim Loew has dropped yet another clear hint that Michael Ballack has no future in the national side and says he has told his former captain where he stands.

Ballack, 34, has not played for Germany since March 2010 after suffering injuries last year.

With Germany top of their Euro 2012 qualifying group, Loew has repeatedly said he will not select Ballack again for the national side until his former captain is regularly impressing in the Bundesliga.

He has struggled to win a place in the Bayer Leverkusen team this season and in his absence Germany finished third at the 2010 World Cup with their young side using their midfield pace to play some attractive football.

“As a coach, my duty is to reflect on what our selections might look like in one, two or three years time, in addition to guaranteeing immediate success,” Loew said.

“Michael knows what I think of his situation.”