Ballack Calls Bundesliga "Too Soft"

German international captain Michael Ballack believes the Bundesliga has become too soft and the fact that certain physical challenges have become outlawed is a real disadvantage for the national team. Bayern Munich midfielder Ballack claims officials in the German top-flight need to let the game flow more rather than blowing up for offences that tend to go unpunished in other leagues. "I think the Bundesliga is too soft," Ballack told daily Bild. "Our referees act differently for international matches than for the Bundesliga. It is normally just trivial things. We have to be careful not to become too fussy otherwise international football will be too hard for us." Ballack admitted he sometimes finds it difficult to switch from the Bundesliga to the international stage. (AFP)