Lahm relaxed over German captaincy

Lahm relaxed over German captaincy

Published Aug. 14, 2010 9:20 p.m. ET

Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm says losing the captain's armband to Michael Ballack would not reduce his authority in the national team.

Lahm was named as Germany skipper during the World Cup after an injury ruled Ballack, who had held the job since 2004, out of the tournament.

Germany coach Joachim Low has yet to decide who will lead the team onto the field in future with both Lahm and Ballack stating their desire to fulfil the role, but Lahm would not be overly distressed should the decision go against him.

"I would carry on playing football as normal, just like before," he told the Bild newspaper.

ADVERTISEMENT

"And I would also carry on giving my opinion like normal. My authority in the team would not be any lower, even without the captain's armband."

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old would rather carry on with the responsibility he was given in South Africa in the build-up to Euro 2012 and beyond.

He said: "It is a great honour to represent your country, particularly when it is such a huge footballing nation like Germany.

"I had this feeling when I wore the armband at the World Cup. I like taking responsibility.

"I thoroughly enjoyed this role in South Africa, like I enjoy being vice-captain for Bayern Munich."

share