7 Jul 2010

Germany team not worried about captain controversy

11:54 am on 7 July 2010

Germany's football coach, Joachim Loew, says the team's focus on their World Cup semi-final match against Spain hasn't been blurred by a captaincy controversy.

Skipper Philipp Lahm, who took over the role from Michael Ballack after the 33-year-old was ruled out of the tournament with an injury, told the German newspaper Bild that he has no intention of willingly giving up the captain's armband.

Loew says Lahm has been enjoying the added responsibility and just spoke honestly about what he thinks.

He says Lahm has been doing an exemplary job, but know it's up to the coach to decide what happens after the World Cup.