The Prem's Greatest Germans & What Makes Mourinho Special | Michael Ballack 🇩🇪 | Ep 7

This week's guest on Football's Greatest was a world class player in his prime. It's Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Germany legend Michael Ballack.
He and Jeff sit down to discuss the best German players to have played in the Premier League: Was Mesut Ozil misunderstood? Why was Jurgen Klinsmann made for English football? And which former Manchester City star was sometimes difficult to manage?
He also gives his view on whether Jurgen Klopp will become Germany head coach one day, reveals what made footballers want to play for Jose Mourinho and what he thinks is holding back the current Chelsea side.
Football's Greatest is a Folding Pocket production with BBC Studios.
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0:00 Intro
01:00 Podcast starts
01:30 Did Michael have any weaknesses?
02:54 Ridiculous Chelsea record
08:30 Jurgen Klinsmann
13:30 Harry Kane at Bayern
15:00 2006 World Cup
17:15 Ilkay Gundogan
21:15 Leroy Sane
25:50 Mesut Ozil
31:20 Per Mertesacker
33:05 Jens Lehmann
34:45 Lack of German players in the PL at the moment
35:50 The impact of Jurgen Klopp
37:00 Thoughts on the current German team
42:50 Who are the Euro 2024 favourites?
This is Football's Greatest with Jeff Stelling, a weekly podcast where the legendary host sits down with icons of the sport - one on one - to talk about those who made a difference in the beautiful game from a players’ perspective: the top keepers, the toughest defenders, the silkiest midfielders and the deadliest strikers.
The show will also look at those who had great influence off the pitch too - the successful managers, the funniest team-mates and the most impressive leaders in the dressing room - and pay homage to indelible moments from the biggest competitions like the Premier League, Champions League and the World Cup.
Broken down into two individual episodes with each guest, Football’s Greatest will take you inside the dressing rooms of some of the best soccer teams the world has ever seen. You will hear stories that surprise you, that make you laugh out loud and that you will be thinking of and telling people about for days after.
#footballsgreatest #jeffstelling #michaelballack
The Prem's Greatest Germans & What Makes Mourinho Special | Michael Ballack 🇩🇪 | Ep 8

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Who is the greatest German player you've seen play in the Premier League? 🤔

[@ukArnz]

Mesut Ozil genuinely was a genius and on his day there hasn't been a better #10 ever

[@nigelhaines7900]

Luther Matthaus

[@r4h4al]

Ozil.

[@footballsgreatestpod]

That Leicester goal @@ukArnz 😍

[@ricksterk7014]

I seen him do a volley once

[@andrewelliott5154]

He was feared in the mid 2000s, even with pirlo xavi gerrard scholes lampard around, he was considered one of the best players in the world. The losses in the big moments have made history unkind to him.. he was class..

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Complete midfielder 💪

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

His losses with Leverkusen was brutal even for a Bayern fan retrospective. Unbelievable the bad luck as if a voodoo priest put a curse on him

[@joemohammed4269]

​@@footballsgreatestpodvery good player

[@slightly-biased]

For that 2002 WC alone Ballack will be remembered. What a player! Truly, a complete midfielder.

[@attk177]

him and Kahn carried the entire nation to a final Germany should have never been in considering the all over quality of the squad

[@rooibosvanille862]

I was a a kid when ballack was in his prime between 2002-2008. I'm german and he was the Player who created the feeling " i will decide the game "

[@blaquenguni9249]

Ballack was the world's most complete midfielder for 8 years straight. He could really thump a football too, his shot power was ridiculous

[@kolyxix]

I can't believe we had a great player like Ballack. Such an under-appreciated player, amazing leadership for Chelsea and the German national team.

[@Tarek_ElMaddah]

Chelsea had Drogba, Ballack, Cech and Terry, all captains of their national teams. Quite leaders in the dressing room.

[@TheGreatOneMike]

Michael Ballack is one of my all time favourite players what a great interview and what a great man. Thank you for the great years you played at Chelsea I’ll never forget it.

[@footballsgreatestpod]

No problem Mike! What a player ⚽👑

[@TheDarkKnightRacist]

i just can't stop admiring a complete midfielder like Ballack, Xabi Alonso, Gerrard, Lampard, if i'm a manager/coach i will always want a complete midfielder in my squad, they fast, they strong, they help defense, made tackles, control the game, provide long ball, attack the penalty box, or my favorites they shot a rockets from outside the box.

[@Sai_Saracen]

surprised that Ballack did not get into management/coaching

[@leeturton9254]

I was at Hillsborough when klinsmann made his debut...he was special he was elite of the elite...his movement his touch...him and sheringham together was poetry in motion...they ripped us apart but I wasn't even bothered because it was a privilege to see that great German in action...so yeah for me klinsmann is the most outstanding German the premier league has ever seen

[@craiglightowler8922]

What an intelligent speaker and a genuine German legend. Great show! 👏👏

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Cheers Craig, appreciate it 👏

[@MJ-gg1ef]

Intelligent speaker? He lived in England for many years and has the vocabulary and pronunciation of someone who is learning the language for a few month. Not to mention that at least from a German perspective most of his answers were very predictable and uninspired - confirming many negative stereotypes.

[@ghg27689fg]

One of the greatest midfielders. Very impressive when playing for Chelsea and the German team. Today's midfielders should learn from him.

[@bisonkambaine5628]

Time sometimes can be our worst enemy. The youngsters of today would be completely baffled if I told them this guy was on per with Kevin De Bruyne. Both footed, great movement and a killer pass.

[@jonathanm9993]

amazing, the full package, but I don't know if he could have functioned within a controlled short pass system

[@dionb7584]

You did a pretty bad job at describing Ballack. Makes me think you never watched him

[@user-fu8sk8eh4f]

@@dionb7584 The comparison was understandable. His capabilities are on par with KDB. But KDB can float with the ball and a ridiculous crosser of the ball who impacts the game better in the attacking third. While Ballack was more versatile, dirty and a physically superior than KDB and can play as a CDM/CM/CAM. I'd actually compare Ballack with someone like Valverde.

[@khaitranngoc4176]

Now I wouldn't push that far and say he was fully better than KDB. Though, at his apex, in 2002, he was among the select few best player in the world and his peak (arguably all before his time with Chelsea) was definitely among the best in the 21st century. The best thing about Ballack is he is a bulldozer.

[@serkankorkmaz196]

Michael Ballack is looking like Matt Damon so much . He has to go to Jimmy Kimmel with Matt Damon . Maybe he can be a good actor

[@obainomilano]

Ballack at Leverkusen was mental.

[@dennisstaines8005]

Micheal was a player that made the ball work for him and seemed to have so much time. i remember the season when Chelsea's front line were not doing so well and Micheal and Frank were deadly and worked together so well, a privilege to see them both playing together at that level.

[@mrstandupguy]

You can listen to ballack talk all day. Very articulate with great insight and knowledge

[@nmarcus7233]

Ballack was so physical, technical and authoritative in the middle of the park. I enjoyed his long range efforts in Germany and his aerial prowess. Truly an intelligent player that came at a time when the Prem was taking a step up to truly become the best league in the world (A few heartbreaks to Spanish giants notwithstanding 😂).

[@patitoduck123]

Absolute monster in his prime. Right up there with Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Vieira, Zidane (in his own stratosphere), as one of the best midfielders in the 2000s. He was unlucky his teams lost in big finals but the fact he got there is evidence enough how good he was. Two footed, strong, dominant, box to box, could pick a pass but also finish. So so good. People forget he brought an extra sense of stability and structure to Chelsea when he joined that midfield with lampard and essien. Even passed his prime he was still great. Wonderful interview!

[@michaeldelaney4389]

totally agree. also have to mention that he was willing and able to chance his game with the move to chelsea. before that he was a way more offensive thinking midfielder. scored goals on regular basis and at chelsea he was integrating himself in that fantastic midfield with what they needed at that time. which was stability and clear roles. so his game got a bigger focus on defending. classy.

[@HealthyHappyThankful]

Great interview Jeff is a masterclass.

[@essaarif1292]

Absolutely loved him, it was a shock when we signed him 💙

[@sergentfleure]

Love Jose! Can’t wait for his next club❤

[@darknezx9542]

Fantastic interview and Ballack is extremely underrated by people who didn't watch football in the 2000s.

[@niallkane1593]

Outstanding jeff mate!

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Nice one Niall ⚽👑

[@freddy-fq2fp]

What wonderful insights into football and human behavior. Good job Michael.

[@alextaylor397]

Love these interviews Jeff. For me you are the best in the business and best football presenter of all time.

[@macmk45]

Very sensible sincerely strong minded player

[@DK-nc9wr]

Legend. My favourite player when I was growing up. I always tried emulating his play.

[@abdalhalimhamed3197]

I'm a huge fan of this talent his a great midfielder of course he has wonderful character and mentally Well done.

[@GeorgeLista]

Why is Jeff interviewing Matt Damon? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@footballsgreatestpod]

The Bourne Leverkusen

[@GeorgeLista]

@@footballsgreatestpod now you’re just talking Ballacks 🙄

[@dre7sus]

Legend 👑💯

[@sebastianstumpf2536]

Jeff Sterling forgot that Michael Balllack was also European Cup Runner up in 2008. He was always so close to win the great titles and in most of the cases it was not his fault that the great success didn‘t happen. A great but also unlucky career of a great player.

[@wearewon]

I remember being amazed how slow he looked and yet so effective.

[@LincolnZA]

When Chelsea signed him I was so happy. His thunder shots left foot outside the box was something else

[@SD-nq6kg]

Every institute in every facet of life need inspiring motivational mangers like Mr Jurgen Norbet Klopp. Living legend x

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Who knows what's next for him 🤷‍♂

[@tesfayeballack1803]

balllllack i miss this guy 💪

[@michaeljakob4764]

Michael Ballack biggest strength was his attitude but most of all character. As a German I do know his roots and him having the courage to go to England and play at this level is an achievement. He was a leader playing with passion and heart, yet not having the outmost technical abilities. But his leadership and character inspired his teammates. Hopefully he joins some day a la a coach. Amazing interview and great explanations and vision from Michael about football, the past and the future

[@D1Snr]

Chelsea never saw the best of Ballack. During his last season at Leverkusen and first season at Bayern Munich, Ballack was without a doubt one of the top 3 players in the world. He was also a big game player who scored regularly. At Chelsea he seemed to be more defensive and his goal scoring ratio was quite low.

[@davyprendergast82]

Gundogan is level with De Bruyne, Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Keane and Vieira as being the greatest midfielder in Premier League history. Probably KDB edges it, but why is Ilkay never even in the conversation? He's as good as any midfielder in Premier League history. And his mentality. How many times he dragged City back into a game or won the points for them. Absolutely ridiculously world class player.

[@carlosbarton763]

Gundogan is criminally underrated, and to think he could've been even better were it not for injuries. I'd add David Silva to your list as well

[@davyprendergast82]

@@carlosbarton763 Yeah that's probably fair

[@AdjeteyBoye]

I remember the Ballack Drogba fight over the chelsea freekick😂. Big characters

[@kastamoro6071]

I will never forget when he reacted on unfair decisions that the referee made when chelsea played Barcelona 💙💙💙 he was great, one of my favourite 💙

[@joemohammed4269]

When i hear chelsea i hear Ballack lampard .. what a complete player they were🔵🔵🔵

[@henricoderuler2209]

Michael Ballack is the best and greatest German player to play in the Premier league history

[@EugenMarianPopescu]

Man, I wanted him at Real Madrid in those days... he was a very special player!

[@olwandonyanga6377]

My role model

[@ottson]

Would've loved to hear his thoughts on being part of the 01/02 Bayer Leverkusen side that nearly won the treble.

[@alancawfield6549]

I know Ronaldo was incredible in the world cup but Michael Ballack should have won the Ballon D'Or and FIFA player of the year that year.He dragged Leverkusen to almost completing a treble and a poor enough Germany team to a world cup final. He scored over 25 goals from midfield for(and a proper midfielder not like Frank Lampard who basically had no defensive responsibilities) for Leverkusen that season and he was incredible at timing runs to the edge of the box.

[@theshahofiran902]

Matt Damon was a great Midfielder

[@13491Bram]

Jason bourne looking well.

[@manaba2233]

The best leader

[@mohammedshittu2471]

You didn't include aggressive!

[@SamCovington-fh7ek]

Injuries killed his career in the end Kevin Prince Boatengs tackle on him was disgraceful

[@DK-nc9wr]

I always wondered if that incident never happened.

[@eugeneapeadu4462]

Free kick expert

[@Wonderscope1]

As a Chelsea fan , I rated him higher than Lampard and Deco when we had them all together. Great player good memories from him. He could win a CL with Chelsea, but UEFA robbed Chelsea that year

[@monero892]

No mention of Didi Hamann??

[@waltersamueledube9204]

Matt Damon/Jason Bourne vibes

[@howardhdavidson]

What about Lukas Podolski at Arsenal.

[@HarshaC85]

one and only OZIL

[@abdellah3558]

Ballack became Tom Hanks

[@user-cc9dk7dj7c]

Hes talking ballacks

[@amythdutta8081]

Matt Damon is that you?

[@Nash9r]

To compare Sané with Özil is a disgrace. Özil was top 3 attacking midfielders for a few years.

[@Bobbibouchersmumwasright]

He was what Arsenal think rice is now

[@r4h4al]

Great player, unlucky in the very tight losing finals he played in.

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Scored his penalty in 2008, didn't he? If only someone else did... 😅

[@ilijaandonov2967]

Mourinho is a LEGEND!!

[@user-ry5pt1td9e]

I still don't understand why Chelsea isnt giving Ballack any role

[@batman4751]

Respect for mentioning ozil most pundits too scared to talk about the people who put money in their pockets by being good at what they do

[@AdjeteyBoye]

Ballack should have been a coach

[@Tarek_ElMaddah]

He was the unluckiest player probably in the history of the game. In 2002, he lost all three titles with Leverkusen (Bundesliga, DFB Pokal final and Champions League final), a month later he was booked in the WC semifinal and couldn’t help Germany against Brazil when he was their biggest star. Then in 2008, again losing same things with Chelsea and Euro with Germany in the Euros too! Right before WC 2010, playing for Chelsea in the FA cup final, he was tackled really dirty and again missing the World Cup!

[@altaigravitas3128]

Without that yellow card in World Cup 2002 Ballack would have led Germany to win the final against Brazil.

[@Harry-tb8yo]

Klinsmann regarded a great player in Germany? Not sure how to put it. His technical skills and especially his first touch weren't that great so he earned his nickname "Flipper" during his time at Bayern. He could run and fight and did that until he was exhausted, so his work rate was really great. Especially his performance against the Netherlands during World Cup 1990 is fondly remembered. That's what people admire him for. He made the best out of his very limited skills and that got him pretty far, winning the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1991, the World Cup in 1990 and the European Cup with Germany in 1996.

[@bigmoney7332]

I came here cuz I saw Ozil pic😂

[@tsingtsai1416]

jason bourne

[@RoadTripperrr]

so handsome

[@footballsgreatestpod]

Absolute dreamboat isn't he ⚽️👑

[@rahulmodi8706]

And Ballack is a looker as well!

[@mrstandupguy]

@@rahulmodi8706😆good one

[@NoorDubet-kk6lf]

Ozil

[@Theboxingobserver]

He was Good at Chelsea, but I thought he was outstanding in the Martian. Surprised he didn't win a BAFTA.

[@mohammedshittu2471]

It was guarduola that exposed ilkays strength and weakesses.ilkay is now amongst the great German footballer like ozil, klose, goetze I'm sorry ballack is in the class of zlatan. No doubt ballack is a generational player. A ballack in this era would win everything including the world cup and the boloondior

[@altaigravitas3128]

A player like Ballack would never win the Ballon d'Or in the Messi era. For the next years Mbappe will be the benchmark.

[@mohammedshittu2471]

@@altaigravitas3128 have you seen vini of real Madrid? Haaland of Man City, how can mbappe win the balloon dior unless it is a popularity contest like Messi and Ronaldo, Messi is more popular so he keeps getting the balloon dior despite Ronaldo's success and hardwork.

[@mohammedshittu2471]

This interviewer is a Tottenham fan. Ballack is a Chelsea boy. What does he know about other clubs. Ask him about his aggressive behavior. He doesn't like being touched with a hand. He just only knows and love Chelsea when he's playing for Chelsea. Ask him about the difference between avran and hiddink?

[@BobbytheWolf89]

No he ain't, Jeff sterling is a hartlepool fan. Everyone knows that

[@mohammedshittu2471]

@@BobbytheWolf89 but he's not asking the right questions.

[@joecoe4416]

Unluckiest player of all time!

[@monero892]

Nope that would be Marco Reus

[@GetEmergencyCash]

Such an overrated player, ridiculous

[@DK-nc9wr]

Rated*