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Jurgen explains Ballack absence

09 Jun 2006 - 20:22:20

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Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann explained after the 4-2 victory against Costa Rica in the World Cup opener why he decided not to start with captain Michael Ballack.

The midfielder had declared himself fit for the match after recovering from a calf strain but Klinsmann decided not to risk him for the clash in Munich.

He said: "I had to tell him: 'Michael, there's a risk. You haven't trained for a week.'

"At the end of the day it's the coach's responsibility.

"Everyone wants to play. Every player says they want to play.

"I talked to him this morning and said: 'I know you want to play', but I told him it's my responsibility.

"We're waiting for Michael. Now he'll train very hard and he'll be fit for the Poland match (on Wednesday).

"At such a mega event like a World Cup we've got to put this (game) behind us quickly. They can have a little glass of beer tonight if they want but our focus has to turn right away to the next match no matter what happens.

"This was a lot of fun."