By Chris Burton Last updated: 7th July 2008
Ballack: In no rush
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is in no rush to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Germany international's current deal only has a year left to run and he would have been expected to have sat down for discussions regarding an extension by now.
The Blues are back in pre-season ahead of the 2008/09 campaign, but with Ballack having represented his country at Euro 2008 he is not due to join up with the squad for another couple of weeks.
Despite the new season drawing ever closer, the 31-year-old believes that there is still plenty of time for him to resolve the situation over the coming weeks.
"I have a contract until 2009 and there is an option to extend it, so there is no need to rush," he told Bild newspaper.
"We will just wait and see what happens."
Ballack could have had up to four winners' medals to show for his efforts during a prolonged 2007/08 season, only to see domestic and international failings leave him empty-handed.
However, rather than reflect on what could have been, the midfielder is adamant that he is at the right club to ensure that he gets his hands on some silverware next term.
"Even without new signings, Chelsea already had an exceptional squad which is capable of winning something always," he said.
"That obviously means (we can win) the Champions League next season.
"That is the reason why I moved to Chelsea. I am playing in the best league in the world with one of the strongest teams."
The Germany skipper also believes that his 'nearly man' tag is unjust as he has enjoyed more than his fair share of success throughout a glittering career.
"I think that I have been successful," he said.
"Some people win just one title and spend their lives revelling in that while others never win anything.
"Of course I am missing a big international title, but who can show off a better record than me anyway?"
Multiple Trophies. Click here to bet.| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 13th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Liverpool vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough |
| 15:00 | West Brom vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Sunderland |
| 17:30 | Man City vs Chelsea |
| Sunday 14th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Stoke vs Everton |
| Monday 15th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Tottenham vs Aston Villa |
| Saturday 20th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:00 | Sunderland vs Middlesbrough |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Liverpool vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Newcastle |
| 17:30 | Bolton vs Arsenal |
| Sunday 21st September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:00 | West Brom vs Aston Villa |
| 14:00 | Chelsea vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | Hull vs Everton |
| 15:00 | Man City vs Portsmouth |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Wigan |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 31st August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Aston Villa 0 - 0 Liverpool | |
| Sunderland 0 - 3 Man City | |
| Chelsea 1 - 1 Tottenham | |
| Saturday 30th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Stoke | |
| Everton 0 - 3 Portsmouth | |
| Hull 0 - 5 Wigan | |
| West Ham 4 - 1 Blackburn | |
| Bolton 0 - 0 West Brom | |
| Monday 25th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Portsmouth 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Sunday 24th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 3 - 0 West Ham | |
| Wigan 0 - 1 Chelsea | |
| Saturday 23rd August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Fulham 1 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Newcastle 1 - 0 Bolton | |
| Liverpool 2 - 1 Middlesbrough | |
| Stoke 3 - 2 Aston Villa | |
| West Brom 1 - 2 Everton | |
| Tottenham 1 - 2 Sunderland | |
| Blackburn 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Sunday 17th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle | |
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