Ballack: We`ve worked on set-pieces
Posted Wednesday, October 21, 2009 by PA
Michael Ballack has revealed how Chelsea's players held a training ground inquest into the set-piece errors which are threatening to disrupt their season.
Chelsea face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night hoping for a victory that will take them one step closer to qualifying for the knockout stages.
But even though Atletico have endured their worst start to a season since 1994, they still have enough quality to upset their European campaign.
Chelsea are becoming increasingly concerned with the defensive errors that allowed Aston Villa to inflict a second successive away defeat on the Blues last Saturday.
Chelsea lost 2-1 with both goals being conceded from corners. Captain John Terry was furious with their defensive lapses and Germany midfielder Ballack, who missed the game with an ankle injury, revealed the squad are determined to eradicate the mistakes.
"John's reaction on the pitch showed that he takes a big responsibility not just for himself but for the team," said Ballack.
"He was really disappointed when we conceded the second goal.
"That's what you need, emotions like that, to make sure it doesn't happen again. We speak with each other. We have no problem criticising each other in the dressing room. A good team with strong players has to do this.
"We've done that, then we shake hands and get back on to the training pitch and try to do better.
"I wasn't involved, not in the team, but I know the problem. I was there the next day and we spoke about it. Everybody has to make an impact on the situation, me too.
"I have to do this, not just because of my age. I have a few years behind me and have experienced a few situations. I'm experienced, so I have to speak to help the team. Everybody has to take responsibility, otherwise we will concede more goals."
Coach Carlo Ancelotti admits his team have spent time working on set-pieces ahead of the clash and a win for Chelsea would put eight points between them and the Spanish side.
"We have worked on this particular situation but it's not important just to work on this," said Ancelotti. "We have to pay attention on set plays in the game.
"But we have worked on them because we have to improve. You can play good matches, like we did at Aston Villa, but if you don't pay attention for six seconds - for one set-play - you come away with a bad result.
"This is not good. We have to put in a good match, too, and we have to win it. The match is important because we have a possibility to move eight points from Atletico Madrid, and this would be very good.
"We want to maintain our position at the top of the group because we want to win this group. On Wednesday we have a good opportunity to do this."
Right-back Branislav Ivanovic will continue to deputise for the suspended Jose Bosingwa, while Didier Drogba sits out the last of his three-match European ban and John Mikel Obi returns after an ankle injury.
Defender Alex is fit again from his groin problem but lacks match practice.
Atletico coach Abel Resino insists victory over Chelsea can kick-start their season.
The Spanish side are yet to win a game in Group D. They are five points adrift of Chelsea and defeat tomorrow would be a massive blow to their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.
But Resino, who defended questions over his future with the Spanish side, believes they can upset the Blues.
"We are in a bad situation at the moment and we need to turn it around," said Resino. "It is easy to talk badly about the situation but it is a great motivation to be playing Chelsea.
"We need to play in a relaxed manner and that is what we are trying to do. We can win. We are in a bad moment but we are working hard."
The 49-year-old refused to be drawn into speculation over his future after Madrid's poor start to the season both at home and in Europe.
"I have a contract and I don't need any assurances that I will continue as manager," added Resino.
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan is relishing the prospect of returning to England.
"I love the pressure of these games," said Forlan. "We are happy to be playing a game in the Champions League.
"We haven't started well. We have had some difficult games and have been struggling since the beginning.
"Now we are trying to get the shape back and start winning games as soon as possible."
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