Michael Ballack: Bayern Munich will win Champions League final
Michael Ballack believes his former side Bayern Munich have the advantage in the Champions League final.
Last Updated: 25/05/13 3:04pm
Ballack made 157 appearances for Bayern between 2002 and 2006, scoring 62 goals. He won three league titles in his time at the club, also gaining Champions League runner-up medals with both Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea.
The midfielder won 98 caps for Germany, and feels that Bayern's experience will be key to their potential success on Saturday at Wembley.
"It's all about experience [in finals]. If you haven't reached a final before like nearly all of the Dortmund players and the coach it's a special situation," Ballack told Sky Sports.
"I think Bayern Munich have an advantage as they have the experience. They lost last year and they know the little things they can change to turn them around. Altogether Bayern are a fantastic team together.
"They have done some smart signings compared to last season but [Franck] Ribery is still in unbelievable shape and is dominating their game.
"They have strength and stability [all over the pitch] but if he has the ball he can change the game. He showed this in the last game and has done it again and again over this season. He is at the moment maybe at the best level he's ever been."
"I've followed his [Bastian Schweinsteiger's] development over the last ten years. We played together a long time with some ups and downs.
"Losing the final last year you could see he was really disappointed to miss a penalty in the final at such an important moment. But he came back strong this season and it was fantastic to see.
"He got criticised over the season a few times, but he settled really well and now he's a key player in midfield. [Arjen] Robben and Schweinsteiger will be the key players tomorrow."
Michael Ballack is an adidas ambassador and was speaking at the launch of the adidas lab - a showcase of the latest adidas football innovations including the world's lightest football boot. Join the conversation @adidasUK #adidaslab
