Ballack Named German Player of Year

Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack picked up another accolade on Wednesday when he was named German Player of the Year in a poll conducted by Kicker magazine. The Germany captain collected 516 votes from German journalists with FC Cologne striker and international team-mate Lukas Podolski his nearest rival with 103 votes. Ballack, 28, was a driving force for Bayern last season helping the Bavarian giants to a league and cup double. Bayern manager Felix Magath collected the German Manager of the Year award winning 433 votes after winning the double in his first season at the club. Mainz 05 handler Jurgen Klopp finished just behind Magath receiving 328 votes for keeping the minnows in the German top-flight against all the odds.