The former Blues midfielder
understands why his old boss
would return to Stamford Bridge
and feels that it is time to focus
on domestic form after lifting
both European trophies
Michael Ballack believes that a Jose
Mourinho-inspired Chelsea can
reassert its domestic dominance by
making the Premier League title a
priority next season.
As exclusively revealed by Goal, a deal
for the Portuguese boss to return to
Stamford Bridge was agreed in
principle in April, with confirmation of
his homecoming imminent following
his departure from Real Madrid at the
end of a strained, trophyless season.
The former Blues and Bayern Munich
midfielder told Goal that he expects
his former manager to capitalize on
Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement to
make Chelsea title-winners again.
"Mourinho did fantastic for Chelsea -
the fans love him and you can see
why he wants to go back to where he
was loved to try and be successful,"
Ballack remarked at the adidaslab in
London. "After winning two European
trophies now, maybe Chelsea should
be focused on the Premier League.
"Manchester United have lost a big
manager so it will be interesting to
see how they do. Next season will be
a big fight between Chelsea,
Manchester United and Manchester
City."
Ballack spent four trophy-laden years
at Stamford Bridge, lifting the Premier
League trophy, three FA Cups and a
League Cup. He was also part of the
side that lost on penalties to
Manchester United in the 2008
Champions League final.
"During my time at Chelsea the focus
was on European success," he
recalled. "Now Chelsea have achieved
that, maybe it is time to focus on
winning the league again."