Michael Ballack: Leverkusen not taking Chelsea lightly - Champions League News
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Ballack-c25270, has fired a warning shot to his side ahead of the important Champions League tie against Chelsea. He warned them against complacency when they take on the wounded Blues at home on Wednesday.
Bayer are all set to host Andre Villas-Boas' men on Wednesday, November 23, at BayArena. Having suffered a defeat in the earlier fixture, the Werkself will have their work cut out in spite of playing on their home turf.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 midfielder, Ballack, reckoned that the Blues will come hard at his side in order to get back to winning ways. He urged his teammates not to take the English challenge lightly and push hard in order to book their berth in the round-of-16.
He admitted of recent dip in Chelsea’s form but still considered his team underdogs ahead of the crucial tie. The veteran reckoned that Villas-Boas' men certainly have the ability to turn things around in their favour, and Leverkusen would have to be on
their toes from the first minute.
Ballack also expressed delight, standing on the verge of making 100 European appearances. The German’s upcoming Champions League game against Chelsea will mark this special occasion for the former Blues man.
While talking to reporters ahead of Wednesday’s game, the 35-year-old further mentioned:
"This is something special. The number 100 means quite a bit. This is something special. The number 100 means quite a bit. But we can also beat them, we are playing at home after all. It is a fantastic game for us and everyone has been waiting for it.
"We did not get into this competition just to take part. We have the quality to advance and we need to get that into our heads." Ballack concluded.
The Werkself certainly hold an advantage going into Wednesday’s game as they are fresh from a weekend win over Kaiserslautern.
Leverkusen are currently second group E with six points from four games, two adrift of the leaders, Chelsea. A win on Wednesday would guarantee them a place in the next round, but a loss will leave Robin Dutt’s men with some food for thought before the game
against Genk.
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