On today’s episode we are joined by one of the greats of German Football. Born in East Germany at a time of upheaval and division, Michael Ballack went on to become a legend for his country, making 98 appearances and scoring 42 goals.
Through playing street football at an early age, Ballack found his love for the game and knew he wanted to become a pro. He came to prominence at Kaiserslautern and was part of the side that did the unthinkable by winning the Bundesliga in 1997. His impressive performances earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen and individually he continued to excel, as well as his stock amongst Europe’s elite. Collectively however, they failed to win any silverware following two consecutive years of falling at the last hurdle. Ballack would rectify this though, by joining the Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and win multiple titles and cups.
Still eager for more success and new challenges, he swapped Munich for London, joining Abrahmovic’s revolution at Chelsea in 2006, to play under Jose Mourinho. He’d go on to win the premier league and a series of cups before heading back to Leverkusen in 2010, where he’d finish his career.
Michael joins the show and talks about his football journey, opening up on his time at Leverkusen, the exceptionally high standards at Bayern Munich and playing under Jose Mourinho. He also talks about how Xabi Alonso has brought a winning mentality to Leverkusen and how he’s transformed the club, whilst giving his honest opinion on the German National Side and their realistic prospects for the Euros.
Subscribe for future episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.
Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.
Manchester United’s Malaise | Three Up Front
Introducing Three Up Front | How does Arne Slot in at Liverpool?
⚽ Welcome to Three Up Front with Simon Jordan, Graeme Souness and Troy Deeney
John Terry | "I owe Mourinho everything but he still scares the life out of me!"
Callum Smith | “Boxing’s just a popularity contest now… look at Ryan Garcia”
Ellis Genge | “Rugby has a class problem that it NEEDS to fix!”
Gianfranco Zola | "This Chelsea team isn't ready, they look intimidated!"
Jack Wilshere | “Arsenal will win the league under Mikel Arteta… Eventually”
Paul Ince | “Inter Milan was a fresh start for me… I think Rashford needs one too!”
Les Ferdinand | “They cared more about stopping the Super League than stopping racism!”
Leon Edwards | "He used my Dad's death to sell the fight, I couldn't wait to hurt him"
Kell Brook | "I want to fight Chris Eubank Jr, I dislike him more than Amir Khan"
Peter Schmeichel | "I don’t recognise Manchester United anymore, there's no identity!"
Jesse Marsch | “I didn’t want the Leeds job, I told them to keep Bielsa!”
Seb Coe | "If I don’t protect the female category, no woman will ever win a medal again"
UP FRONT WRAPPED 2023
Robbie Fowler | "Michael Owen was fast… but I was the better striker in every way”
Chris Eubank Snr | "I’ve always backed Conor Benn, I think he beats them all"
Ricky Hatton | “I’d rather be loved in my hometown than rich like Floyd Mayweather Jr"
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
AU Wishbone: Auburn Sports
Michigan Insider
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The Pat McAfee Show
Nightcap