Ballack eager to win again

Ballack: Eager for success

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• Chelsea

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• Michael Ballack

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Michael Ballack says last season's disappointment has made Chelsea more determined to achieve success this term.

Chelsea failed to claim a trophy during the 2007/08 campaign after finishing runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League, and losing in the finals of the UEFA Champions League and Carling Cup.

And German midfielder Ballack is eager to get back on the trophy trail after also missing out to Spain in the final of Euro 2008.

"I didn't join Chelsea to lose things," said Ballack in the Sunday Mirror. "I came because the Premier League is the strongest in the world and I am playing for one of the strongest teams.

"As a team we have experienced success and disappointment. The only way to put disappointment behind you is to find success again.

"What happened last season will only make us more determined."

Real test

Ballack also believes that he played some of the best football of his career last season after adapting to the demands of the Premier League.

He added: "I had a few good seasons before I went to Chelsea and I managed to improve every year. But moving to England was the next logical step for me in my career.

"I wanted to go outside of Germany and I saw English football as a big, big challenge. It has been a real test.

"I've learned to adapt to the pace of the English game and a different style of football in the Premier League.

"And I have taken that knowledge back with me to the national team and I showed some great football, maybe even the best in my career."