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Ballack Blames Bayern For Gomez's Euro Flop

Germany captain and former Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack has criticsed the Bavarian giants for their public pursuit of his compatriot Mario Gomez, implying that it has affected his form at Euro 2008...

Gomez has emerged as one of Germany's best young talents over the past two seasons with VfB Stuttgart and was tipped to shine at Euro 2008 - his first major international tournament - only to go three games without scoring and generally not looking himself in front of goal.

His most embarrassing moment came against Austria, where a ball bobbled up in front of him and he failed to make a proper connection, spooning the ball over the bar two yards from an open goal.

Going into the tournament his record at international level was an exceptional six goals in 10 games, it has now been 13 and the striker will be hoping he is afforded a second chance, though he is unlikely to play a part in the remainder of their Euro campaign, which continues tomorrow with their semi-final against Turkey.

Team-mate and captain Ballack has empathised with the player, suggesting that Bayern Munich's interest in the player has put him off his game.

"I certainly find it odd negotiations are taking place during the European Championship. That is not good for the player and disturbs concentration," he insisted.

"I have always had the view that I have done something before or after a tournament, so that you don't have to be busy with it during the tournament."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Ballack Blames Bayern For Gomez's Euro Flop