Michael Ballack Delighted With Return To Bayer Leverkusen Starting Line-Up

Michael Ballack was pleased to play the full 90 minutes against Hannover.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack was glad to be selected from the start of his team's 2-0 win against Hannover in the Bundesliga.

"I'm glad I played from the start and got the confidence from the coach," the 34-year old told Spiegel. "I wasn't sure where I stood. The coach believed in me. I had been injured a long time, but there were no problems."

Speaking to Bild about Leverkusen's win, Ballack said, "I think it was okay. We were very focused - it was a deserved victory."

Leverkusen took three points thanks to goals from each of Ballack's central midfield partners, Arturo Vidal and Simon Rolfes. The result send Leverkusen five points clear of Hannover in second place, although the Werkself remain eight points behind leaders Dortmund, who have a game in hand.