Philipp Lahm has declared that he wants to retain the German captaincy, even if Michael Ballack continues on with the national side.
Regular skipper Ballack was ruled out of the World Cup after he injured his ankle playing for Chelsea against Portsmouth in the FA Cup final. Full back Lahm has taken up the role since and the Bayern Munich ace has presided as on-field leader as the Germans have stormed into Wednesday’s semi-final against Spain.
Now, ahead of that crucial game in which Lahm and his team-mates will try and gain revenge for their Euro 2008 final defeat to the Spanish, the 26-year-old defender has stated that he wants to continue as captain after the finals.
"It's clear I would like to keep the captain's armband - I really enjoy the role," said Bayern Munich's Lahm.
"When you fulfil your role on the pitch and have it under control, as I do in my position, then you want more.
"You want more responsibility, you want to take care of the big picture. And that is the case with me now."
Then asked if Ballack, whose absence has been cited by some as key in the shaping of the younger-looking fresher German side that has put four goals each past England and Argentina in the last two games, would still be needed by Germany when fit again, he added: "It's not for me to say 'yes' or 'no'."
However, German team manager and former striker Oliver Bierhoff insisted: “There is no discord.
"We are pleased that Lahm has taken over the responsibility as captain. And what else can he say, except that he wants to remain captain?
"Ballack is still our captain and Lahm is now our World Cup captain."