Ballack sharply criticizes the DFB—and cites FC Bayern as a role model | OneFootball

Michael Ballack is calling on the German Football Association (DFB) to fundamentally rethink its approach to former national team players. In the view of the former DFB captain, the association is not doing enough to leverage the experience of great players for the benefit of German soccer even after their careers have ended.

Ballack speaks from personal experience on this matter. After his playing career ended, the association made no attempt to recruit him for a potential coaching career.

“For example, no one from the DFB approached me after I retired to encourage me to get my coaching license. The association should create significantly more incentives in this area,” the 49-year-old explained in an interview with Sport BILD.

For Ballack, this isn’t just about himself. He also cites former national team players such as Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger as examples of individuals whose experience could be valuable to the DFB.

Ballack: “A lot of knowledge is being lost right now.”

“It should try to recruit the best players—such as Toni Kroos or, previously, Bastian Schweinsteiger, who have retired—to join its ranks,” Ballack urged.

The former Bayern Munich pro is aware that former top players aren’t financially dependent on a job with the association. That’s exactly why the DFB needs to offer other incentives.

“But they should be drawn in with enthusiasm and substance. Because it would be enormously valuable for German soccer if these great figures passed on their knowledge to younger generations—just as Rudi Völler still does.”

Ballack currently sees a problem precisely there: “A lot of knowledge is being lost right now.” That’s why, in his opinion, more former top players are needed in positions of responsibility. And these don’t necessarily always have to be coaching jobs.

FC Bayern is the “best example” for Ballack

Photo: IMAGO

For Ballack, his former club—of all places—shows how such involvement of former players can work. He described FC Bayern as the “best example.”

“There, with Uli Hoeneß (as manager) and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (as president), it worked out exceptionally well for many years,” explained the former midfielder.

Ballack also views the national team’s new coaching staff with confidence. Jürgen Klopp has made a significant impact at every stop in his coaching career and brings the necessary experience and credibility to the job.

The key now, he said, is to give the new national team coach the time he needs. “We have to accept his approaches and methods,” Ballack urged.

The former Bayern star generally considers the conditions to be favorable. Klopp enjoys widespread acceptance and has a way of connecting with people. At the same time, there are plenty of good players available.

For Ballack, however, a new national team coach alone is not enough. The DFB must also ensure, at the structural level, that the experience of former national team players is utilized more effectively in the future—following the example of FC Bayern.