Ballack's final goal

Ballack's final goal
11.04.08

In some respects, Chelsea FC's performance against Fenerbahçe SK on Tuesday was a microcosm of their season. Not always convincing, at times uncertain and even frustrating for their fans. Ultimately, though, they did enough to continue the fight another day. Just as they stuck to their task doggedly against Fenerbahçe SK to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, they have shown a consistency in the Premier League that has kept Manchester United FC looking over their shoulder long after Arsenal FC effectively dropped out of the title race.

Final goal
Having battled so hard to get into this position, the challenge now is to finish the job. After losing three semi-finals in the past four years, and twice against Liverpool FC, there is a determination not to let the UEFA Champions League slip from their grasp again. "I think for the club and for me it would be fantastic if we could win this title, that's why I'm here," said midfielder Michael Ballack, now in his second year in London. The 31-year-old lost the final with Bayer 04 Leverkusen six seasons ago and there is a sense of unfinished business as he discusses Chelsea's chances this time round. "For ten years I think I've been playing in the Champions League and I want to win this competition. People remember just the trophies you win, not getting to the quarter-finals or the semi-finals."

Leverkusen reminder
Ballack needs little reminding of the disappointment of 2001/02. Leverkusen went into the final weeks of the season challenging on three fronts, but ended it empty handed, losing the Bundesliga title, German Cup final and the UEFA Champions League final all in the space of eleven days. With Manchester United FC to visit Stamford Bridge on 26 April in between the semi-final games against Liverpool FC, this campaign could hinge on one critical spell as well. "You work very hard all year to get in this situation and then you have to do the right things," Ballack said. "You have to win these games to win a title."

Grant test
It will be the ultimate test for Chelsea manager Avram Grant. Defeat Liverpool and perhaps he will finally emerge from the shadow of his predecessor José Mourinho, who came up short against the Reds at this stage in both 2005 and 2007. Despite leading Chelsea to second in the Premier League and back to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Grant has been unable to totally win over supporters and defeat in the League Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur FC added fuel to the doubters' fire. Ballack, though, believes the Israeli deserves credit for getting Chelsea in a such a positive position, especially considering the obstacles in his path. The nasty cut Petr Čech sustained in training on the eve of the Fenerbahçe game was just the latest injury to hit the Chelsea squad, which in February also had to withstand the loss of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou to the African Cup of Nations.

Difficult season
"We've had a very difficult season with injuries and the African Cup was hard for us but we're still in a good position," Ballack said. "A lot of the players who had injuries are fit now and have had a little bit of rest during the year, so I expect a very strong Chelsea team in the next few weeks. It is always difficult if you work after José Mourinho. It doesn't matter who is the next manager; it will be difficult for him and for Avram Grant as well, but I think he did it well over the last weeks. We have had good results."

Injury
For Ballack, the biggest plus is to be playing at all. This time last season he suffered an ankle injury which ruled him out of the semi-final against Liverpool and would ultimately keep him out for eight months. He only returned for Chelsea in December and the game against Fenerbahçe was just his fourth in the UEFA Champions League this season. How Grant must be delighted to have the Germany captain back. His fourth-minute goal put Chelsea in control at Stamford Bridge and he was the driving force behind his side's early pressure.

'Confidence'
It was the sort of performance Chelsea fans were expecting when he signed from FC Bayern München at the end of the 2005/06 season. After a difficult first term adapting to the Premier League, it is also the sort of performance Ballack expects to deliver. "That's why I'm here, I did this in Germany and for the national team as well and I want to do the same for Chelsea," he said. "I'm happy to score again but the important thing is that the team wins, that the team performs and we did it. Now we have another two big games [against Liverpool]. It is always close and we expect it to be the same this year, but we have the second game at home and that gives us confidence."

Source:
http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/kind=4/newsid=682656.html