Klose told the Stern magazine Ballack was "trying to fit in more" but that he "still has a lot to learn" after being marginalised from the national team for his disparaging comments about coach Joachim Low.

"They were pointless comments," Bierhoff told the Express newspaper. "They do nothing for the team and the timing was particularly bad.

"Basically, keeping things internal is not only the duty of the captain but of all the players."

Bierhoff confirmed Ballack was not angry with Klose, adding: "I called him immediately and he said he was fine with it."

Klose is not part of the Germany squad to face Liechtenstein and Wales over the next week as he is injured. Ballack will captain the team in Leipzig and Cardiff.