Scolari enters Ballack row
25 Oct 2008 - 13:03:08
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has waded into Michael Ballack's row after warning international coach Joachim Low that his injured midfielder will not be travelling back to Germany for talks.
Low has demanded face-to-face talks with his skipper after Ballack was quoted by the German media criticising his lack of respect for senior players in his squad.
Ballack endorsed Torsten Frings' critical comments concerning Low after he was omitted from the starting line-up for the last two World Cup qualifiers.
Ballack was quotes as saying: "If he is no longer wanted he should be told so honestly.
"Respect and loyalty is the least you can expect as a deserving national team player."
Low subsequently called for talks with Ballack back in Germany, but Scolari insists his injured midfielder, who has just undergone foot surgery, will not be travelling anywhere.
"He's a player for Chelsea," said Scolari. "If Joachim Low wants to talk with him, I invite the coach of the national team to come here and stay with us one or two days to talk with him but Ballack can't travel now.
"He's recovering and has treatment to undergo with the doctors. It's not well for Ballack or for Germany if he travels.
"But if Joachim wants to talk, it's my pleasure to invite him here to speak with Michael. To travel now is impossible."