Michael Ballack has really grown on me over the past couple of seasons and not just because he’s become such a big player in the Chelsea midfield either.
I remember over the summer when all the nonsense was going on about Drogba’s indecision and Lampard’s contract, his subtle piss-take of events saw him go even higher up in my estimations. And as if that hadn’t cemented it for me, then his recent comments about Liverpool’s chances in the league certainly have.
You see, despite us tied at the top on points with only goal difference separating us, I think it’s fair to say that most of us are predicting Liverpool will eventually fall by the wayside in the Premier League just as they always do. And, despite them finally beating us at Stamford Bridge – halting our 4 ½ year run in the process – and sitting in the top two all season, Ballack still agrees with the majority on this one.
The Chelsea midfielder says “It’s always the big four that everyone speaks about, but it’s still about Chelsea and Man U. Arsenal are already behind, which makes it very difficult for them. Liverpool are very good at this moment, but they are always a club for the Champions League, partly because they can put all their focus on one or two matches. But when you look at results and squads over the past couple of seasons, I think us and Man U are just a little bit stronger.”
So, whilst Ballack saying what we’ve all been saying for years – that Liverpool fail in the domestic league but can manage the odd result here and there in the Champions League – won’t be welcomed on Merseyside, the fact that his refusal to accept them as challengers has no doubt resulted in indignant scousers everywhere foaming at the mouth whilst shouting ‘it’s our year’, just makes me like him all the more.
Blue is the colour
