Will
22-05-2006, 01:21 PM
MICHAEL BALLACK insists Germany are under no pressure to win the World Cup.
Jurgen Klinsmann has a relatively inexperienced squad to pick from and Ballack believes the lack of star names has made life easier for the host nation.
Chelsea's new signing said: "In Germany there are always great expectations for tournaments and that comes from a traditional thing with the success we've had.
"But this time we are a young team and there are a number of players who aren't regularly playing for their club sides.
"That's not a situation that England, Brazil or Italy find themselves in.
"We don't have the possibility to choose from so many good players as the leading nations do.
"I have great respect for England, especially as they have got a very good midfield which gets a lot of praise in Germany."
Jurgen Klinsmann has a relatively inexperienced squad to pick from and Ballack believes the lack of star names has made life easier for the host nation.
Chelsea's new signing said: "In Germany there are always great expectations for tournaments and that comes from a traditional thing with the success we've had.
"But this time we are a young team and there are a number of players who aren't regularly playing for their club sides.
"That's not a situation that England, Brazil or Italy find themselves in.
"We don't have the possibility to choose from so many good players as the leading nations do.
"I have great respect for England, especially as they have got a very good midfield which gets a lot of praise in Germany."