Leverkusen: Ballack signing a mistake

German Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen had high hopes when they resigned former Germany captain Michael Ballack in summer 2010. They had hoped Ballack could bring back the golden days of the early 2000s when the club finished second in all competitions - UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup - in the 2001/02 season.

But things haven't worked out the way the club had hoped then in his first season Ballack was more often injured then on the field and also the younger players were better then Ballack forcing him often onto the bench when match fit.

Leverkusen chairman Wolfgang Holzhäuser has said in the Express tabloid, "This transfer didn't work for us. We expected more from him."

Ballack's stats speak for themselves. Last season he played 17 matches and didn't score a goal, this season he has played 14 times scoring twice. Ballack has been better this season, but both Jupp Heynckes last season and now Robin Dutt are said to have their problems with the ageing star.

The former Germany 'Capitano' has not been able to deliver what he has been able to perform in the past. The club has been disappointed that Ballack hasn't helped in pushing the young team in the right direction. And what has surprised many observers is the fact that Ballack has a lot of support from fans, who happen to be critical of coach Robin Dutt.

Holzhäuser ended by saying, "He (Ballack) has three months of contract left. We will finish it off professionally."

Doesn't sound like Leverkusen willing to offer Ballack a new contract in the summer. A sad finish at the club where Ballack became a big player.