Ballack: We hope we can win Bolton

Chelsea star Michael Ballack says that his side have the metal edge over Premier League title and Champions League rivals Manchester United ahead of a crucial fortnight where the destination of both trophies will be decided.

Chelsea face Bolton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday knowing that a win and a Manchester United slip-up at Wigan will hand them their third league title in four years. The two teams then meet in Moscow on May 21 to battle it out for the prestigious Champions League trophy.

Mental Edge

“I think our mental strength can get us through. We have shown that already. We have been very concentrated and we are mentally strong, not just physically. That's always important. We have good players on the bench too - we have a very good squad and that's a big plus for us,” Ballack told Zoo magazine.

“We have momentum. It's a tough final two weeks, but you have to deal with it. The last few weeks decide the whole season. You work very hard for a year to be in this situation, but the big games at the end decide a title.

“We hope we can win both. Both teams, Man United and ourselves, have had great seasons and deserve to be in the Final. We will see.”

Champions League was crucial

Ballack, who has excelled over recent months after having the start of his Stamford Bridge career interrupted through injury, admits that it was a crucial achievement for his side to make it to Moscow this season, but that the job is only half done.

“Yeah [it was crucial to get to Moscow] but you need to win this tournament. In 20 years, when people look over their shoulder at the past, they'll always remember who won the trophies - not who lost in the Final. I've played in the competition for 10 years and never won it. I want Chelsea to be remembered,” continued the German international.

"The next few weeks should be fantastic for both teams. We just hope we end the season with the two trophies.” Thirty-one-year-old Ballack, who has 68 caps for his country, concluded with some praise for his consistently under-fire manager, Avram Grant.

"He's done a good job. It's always difficult if you work after Jose Mourinho. It didn't matter who the next manager was. It would be difficult for anyone.”

source; Chris Myson, goal