MICHAEL BALLACK has questioned if Germany have become "too soft" ahead of Euro 2024.
The former Germany and Chelsea midfielder slammed his nation's mentality and all but wrote off their chances of lifting the trophy for the first time since 1996.
Ballack told William Hill’s podcast, Up Front with Simon Jordan: "The expectation level in Germany is very low, the expectations are not high, Germany have lost something.
"We’ve lost something that was one of our biggest strengths, our competitiveness, discipline and the willingness to win games, it doesn’t matter how.
"We were not always the best team playing the best football technically.
Schools at risk of closing as teachers prepare to vote on joining strike chaos
"But we had this certain mentality combined with technique, organisation and discipline. We’ve lost that a bit."
Hansi Flick was sacked as Germany manager following a 4-1 friendly defeat by Japan in September and winning just 12 of his 25 games in charge.
Julian Nagelsmann took over and recently oversaw statement friendly wins over France and the Netherlands.
Ballack added: “It’s the mentality of a whole nation. We’ve changed the whole education.
"It’s not just in football, it’s a generational problem.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
"The way we talk to each other, the way we talk in professional football.
"I don’t know if we’ve become too soft, but we’ve lost strength.”
When asked about the prospect of Germany facing old foes England at the Euros this summer, Ballack added: “There’s a certain level of competitiveness between England and Germany.
"There’s always something special about playing against England. Of course, you never want to lose against England.”
Guardiola picks side on BODY LANGUAGE as he tells Foden why he’s been on bench