Ballack Believes Blues Will Bounce Back

The Germany captain has become synonymous with second place; in 2002, he was a key component of the infamous ‘Neverkusen’ team - the Bayer Leverkusen side that finished second in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.

He was also part of the Germany squad that was vanquished in the World Cup final that year by Brazil.

Last season, Ballack’s ignominious final form continued, as Chelsea were beaten in the Carling Cup final by Tottenham Hotspur, and finished in Manchester United’s wake in the Champions League and EPL.

To exacerbate his misery, the 31-year-old played in the Euro 2008 final, where he once again experienced that familiar feeling as Germany lost out to Spain.

However, the ex-Bayern Munich star is adamant that Chelsea can make forward strides under Luiz Felipe Scolari, and push their competitors all the way for tangible prizes.

He told the Sun: "We didn't win the title, we were very close but in the end we lost. And the Champions League final, everybody was disappointed about this.

"But we have to look forward to the next season. We have a good squad and another chance to win four titles.
"I am happy and I am prepared for this season, now everything is fine and I am looking forward to playing next season.

"In Germany we always said the biggest thing to win is the league title because it is a competition for the whole season, so we are looking for this title and also the Champions League.

"We have a big squad and a strong squad in midfield but it is a big competition. We have a big target to win not just one title but go for all four, so we need a big squad.

"It shows that Chelsea has a very good team and is very organised and competitive.

"We haven't just had one good season, the last few seasons we have done very well and we were very close. But we want to win these titles and this season we will try again."