 Beckenbauer (right) says Ballack made a mistake joining Chelsea |
Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer claims Michael Ballack made a mistake in joining Chelsea and should have moved to Manchester United. Ballack's �130,000 per week deal is thought to make him the world's highest paid player, but the 30-year-old has failed to shine at Stamford Bridge.
"I can't see a place for him at Chelsea. He'd have been better off at United," said Beckenbauer.
"The game passes him by. Frank Lampard is stronger and takes his position."
Ballack joined Chelsea after leading Germany to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil.
606 DEBATE: Your views on Beckenbauer's comments
Bayern were unable to compete with Chelsea and prevent the German captain from leaving when his contract expired.
The introduction of Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko has been blamed for unbalancing Chelsea's system in the wake of the Premiership champions' inconsistent form.
Likewise, Ballack has had to slot into Chelsea's midfield instead of being their hub, as he is in the German national team.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
