Michael Ballack could leave Bayer Leverkusen before the end of the winter transfer window, with CEO Wolfgang Holzhauser admitting that the former Germany captain has failed to live up to expectations.
The 35-year-old rejoined the Bundesliga outfit in 2010 after a four-year stint with Chelsea, and while the club have confirmed that the veteran midfielder will leave at the end of the season, the BayArena chief admits his departure could come sooner.
“Ballack’s performances have disappointed me. He has brought too little. He can influence the crowd with his aura – but he hasn’t done so,” Holzhauser told Express.
“He still has a contract, which we will handle professionally. But if a club comes along, we will talk.”
Ballack was replaced after just 59 minutes in last week’s 3-2 victory over Mainz, but sporting director Rudi Voller feels that he should have been withdrawn even sooner.
“I would have replaced him at half time,” the former Germany coach stated to Bild.
Leverkusen travel to Werder Bremen on Saturday, boasting an excellent record over Thomas Schaaf’s side in recent years.