Ballack takes nothing for granted
Chelsea star Michael Ballack admits the arrival of himself and Andriy Shevchenko does not guarantee them the glory in the Champions League.
The Germany midfielder, 29, joined the Ukrainian star on a Bosman deal from Bayern Munich in the summer.
Chelsea, who have lost in the semi-final of the Champions League twice in the last three seasons, have signalled their intentions for the forthcoming campaign with the additions of the two superstars.
But Ballack played down talk that the back-to-back Barclays Premiership champions, who are reeling after William Gallas failed to join up with the pre-season tour, were ready to lift European club football’s top prize.
He said: “It’s hard to say if we are the best team in Europe because there are many great teams.
“This is definitely a top team but as the Champions League has shown in the past the winners are not necessarily the best.
“It’s definitely one of my goals (to win the competition for the first time in his career) but it’s not my only goal.
“I have to focus on every match but that’s definitely a challenge for me to win it.”
Ballack revealed the decision to join Chelsea was easy despite interest from other clubs.
“It was a very good decision to join Chelsea because I am looking to be successful and there are some great players in the team,” added the 29-year-old.
“It was an easy decision to join them.”
