Ballack backs Lamps partnership

German hopeful of partnership

Last updated: 12th February 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ballack backs Lamps partnership

Ballack: Confident of success

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Chelsea star Michael Ballack is confident he can form a successful midfield partnership with Frank Lampard.

The duo started together in midfield for the first time this season in Sunday's goalless draw with Liverpool.

Sceptics have doubted whether or not Ballack and Lampard can successfuly play together, but the German international insists the duo can gel.

"Frank is a very good player and we need him," said Ballack.

No problems

"He has scored a lot of goals and it is not about him, me or anyone else in midfield. I have no problems playing with anybody and it is better to have a good player by your side than a bad one.

"I think we can put all the doubts to bed. We have played a lot of games together and it is not a problem."

Meanwhile, Lampard has again been linked with a possible move to Juventus.

Fresh reports emanating from Italy suggest Juventus are planning to make a bid for Lampard's services in the summer.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is a big fan of Lampard having signed him when he was in charge of Chelsea and is keen to be reunited with the England international.

Lampard's long-term future at Chelsea remains in doubt as he has yet to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge and talks over his contract have been put off until the end of the current campaign.