Werder Bremen midfielder Thorsten Frings has welcomed the support of Germany teammate Michael Ballack.

Chelsea midfielder Ballack has risked his international future by blasting coach Joachim Loew over his treatment of Frings and the veteran said: "Michael has been around long enough to notice when something is not right.

"When he feels that something is not going right, then it is his right to speak up.

"Players who have already proven themselves do not get worked up over nothing. Ballack has every right to speak out as the captain - he only wants what is best for the team."