Captain’s blast was just what we needed, admits Ballack
MICHAEL BALLACK has revealed how Chelsea’s players held a training ground inquest into the defensive frailties which have threatened to derail their season.
The Blues conceded two routine goals from corners in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday, prompting an angry reaction from captain John Terry.
Furious Terry ordered the team enquiry ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge, and midfielder Ballack, who returns to the side following an ankle injury, insists the squad are determined to put right the problem.
“John’s reaction on the pitch showed that he takes a big responsibility not just for himself but for the team,” the German explained. “He was really disappointed when we conceded the second goal.
“That’s what you need, emotions like that, to make sure it doesn’t happen again. We speak with each other. We have no problem criticising each other in the dressing room. A good team with strong players has to do this. We’ve spoken about the game, we’ve trained on set-pieces and special situations, but it’s all about individual mistakes. That happens in football, but that’s what we have to cut out.”
Atletico are enduring their worst start to a season since 1984 but, after two unconvincing Champions League performances from his side, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is taking nothing for granted. “Atletico didn’t start well but they have very good qualities,” he said. “They have Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, they are dangerous strikers and we have to pay attention to this. Aguero has fantastic quality and he can win matches.”
Ancelotti is without Jose Bosingwa, who picked up a knee injury at Villa, while striker Didier Drogba serves the final game of his three-match ban.