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Michael Ballack dismissed Liverpool’s Barclays Premier League title challenge yesterday and predicted a two-horse race between Chelsea and Manchester United. Only goal difference separates Liverpool from Chelsea at the top of the table, but the Germany midfield player believes that the Merseyside club are more suited to the Champions League because their squad lacks the depth to compete for the entire season.
Liverpool have won one Champions League and reached another final in four seasons under Rafael BenÍtez, but Ballack’s views will not go down well at Anfield. Liverpool have been in the top two all season and became the first side to win a league match at Stamford Bridge in 4½ years last month when they beat Chelsea 1-0.
“It’s always the big four that everyone speaks about, but it’s still about Chelsea and Man U,” Ballack said. “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.”
Ballack’s words got immediate backing from Jimmy Bullard, who predicted that Chelsea will win the league comfortably after playing in Fulham’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Saturday. Chelsea, held at home to Newcastle United, could not take advantage, but they did not concede any ground because Manchester United could only draw away to Aston Villa.
“We took it to Liverpool and gave it a right bash, but who do I think will win the league?” Bullard said. “Chelsea, and they’ll do it quite comfortably. Liverpool have an outstanding squad of individuals. But sometimes it’s not about individual players, it’s about the team.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Chelsea manager, conceded that his team lacked a cutting edge on Saturday and blamed the stalemate on injuries despite the return of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Ashley Cole. Scolari will have Didier Drogba, who is suspended in the league, available for the Champions League tie away to Bordeaux on Wednesday, but Deco is out, serving a one-match suspension.
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Rafa has paid a lot of money for a lot of failures over the years. Keane will just be another - an over-priced journeyman.
Darren, Portsmouth,
i like your comment Gavin, i think you recognise the same press bias as me.
Ruddy, London, UK
Its amazing, Chelsea, United and Liverpool all draw, and yet its Liverpool who are in trouble?!?! fine, we'll play the underdogs, Chelsea and United can keep an eye on each other and we'll sneak in round the back! GO THE TRUE REDS!
Gavin, london, UK
GREAT! what a comment from a player that still struggle to find himself breaking the 1st eleven! and... Jimmy what???
ziswandy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Some of the best footballers in the world are hopeless managers and vice versa. Therefore, you cannot discredit Bullards opinion based on who he has played for. Surely, you discrediting it is discredited because you didn't play for Chelsea Neil?
Andrew Emmett, liverpool, england
where exactly in the quote does he say we are 'no threat'? headline looks a bit misleading to me. once again the press like to make it into a negative article... just like after the c cup game when we got beat by resurgent spurs but chelsea lost to burnley & all the talk was our 'lack of depth'!!
paul, Southport, United Kingdom
I'm sorry ballack but do you think losing at home to Liverpool and drawing blanks with Newcastle makes you a title winning team??? Just to let you know that names do not win titles and perhaps you should look at sorting your own form rather than talking as if you are still playing for leverkusen
Ruddy, London, UK
When you're right you are right.
Ezee T, Durban, South Africa
Looking at the back of the LFC v Fulham programme, we have 35 squad players listed. I'd happily sacrifice 5 of the £5m men for 1 high quality £25m one. When you think how much Rafa spent on Keane, Riera and Dossena....doh! They may come good eventually but Keane was woeful on Saturday.
Dave Sherman, Maghull, Liverpool, England
Sorry, this is only coming after Chelsea drew at home with Newcastle, people arn't saying they don't have the depth!!! I don't think you have much more quality. Look into your team sheets. We are a threat. we will stay as one. fools
Adam, Liverpool, England
So Ballack takes over from Mourinho at the country's favourite sport - Scouse baiting. At least we know who Chelsea really worry about.
Walton Breck, Liverpool,
I agree with Ballack. Liverpool will not win the league - as they never do:) Chelsea will be strong to the end, and MU will catch up - Im sure we'll have the end of the season like last year - but maybe Chelsea will have small advantage(well, I hope not, but we have to be realistic - they are strong
Anna, Wroclaw, Poland
I like Jimmy Bullard but i'm not sure a career spanning wigan and fullham leaves him well placed to talk about title races. As for Ballack, what he has said is spot on. If you do look over the last few season chelsea and man utd have had better squads and results. Thanks for pointing that out Mike.
Neil, southampton,
agreed, i think these words will just fire us up even more.
dont know anyone on merseyside who thinks we are definitely going to win the league.
Fulham got lucky, and Keane just needs another goal to get the confidence back.
Lucas should never be allowed near a premier league game again awful
karim, Upminster, UK
Same old problem & until the over reliance of a certain captain is sorted then unfortunately in the end LFC will fall short.I feel that we need a lead of sorts at the end of this yr when you consider the fixtures.Realistically both Chelsea & MU have stronger squads at the moment.
Warren Burnside, Plymouth, England
That will be our team talk done for the next 3 or 4 weeks, cheers Michael.
Richard, Preston, England
Liverpool had an off day yesterday but still squandered enough chances to win comfortably.
Sometimes the performance is overlooked when big teams win comfortably. Liverpool have played far worse and won by 3 or 4.
Simon, Gosport, Hants,