Ballack criticises Bundesliga, says Wirtz move to Bayern wouldn’t have made sense

Former German international Michael Ballack can see why Florian Wirtz opted against a move to FC Bayern.

Michael Ballack has criticised the state of the German Bundesliga, saying it wouldn’t have made sense for Florian Wirtz to move to Bayern Munich.

Wirtz was linked with a move to the German champions but ultimately chose to join Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen instead – and the former German international understands why.

“Would it have made sense for [Wirtz] and his development to play another two or three years in the Bundesliga with Bayern?” Ballack told Sport Bild.

“Of course, he would win championships there. But is the Bundesliga still the ultimate challenge for him at the highest level? No, because the Bundesliga was left behind by the Premier League years ago. That’s the reality. That’s why it is generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That’s why changes are necessary.”

One possible change, according to Ballack, would be to reform the German system, where the 50+1 rule ensures club members have majority control over decisions and prevents outside investors from taking over completely.

“The Bundesliga has to do something. I have always viewed the 50+1 rule critically. The league needs to open up to investors so it doesn’t fall further behind compared to the Premier League or other major European clubs,” he said.

In the interview, the former German international also revealed that he doesn’t see Bayern Munich as one of the favourites to win the Champions League this season.

“Bayern can beat any opponent. But we have to talk about momentum. Last season, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals against Inter,” he said.

“For me, Bayern are not among the absolute top favourites; they are a challenger.”