Chelsea FC

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Ballack backs Grant choice

21 Feb 2008 - 08:56:12

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Michael Ballack has backed Chelsea boss Avram Grant to make the right calls in terms of who to pick for Sunday's Carling Cup Final meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Ballack and Alex were preferred to Frank Lampard and John Terry for Tuesday's Champions League stalemate with Olympiacos in Greece.

Both Terry and Lampard - captain and vice-captain respectively - have only just returned to contention following long-term injuries, but speculation has suggested they will make the starting line-up for the Wembley showpiece.

That likely result would be a return to the substitute's bench for Ballack, but the Germany captain has backed Grant to make the correct decision for the good of the team.

Ballack also claims that nobody in the Blues squad is 'untouchable' following quotes from former manager Jose Mourinho last season that several leading players - including Terry and Lampard - were automatic selections.

"John and Frank have been injured for a long time and it was a big game against Olympiacos so it was a decision from the coach." he told The Sun.

"I'm not sure if anyone is untouchable now. I think they are both still very, very important players for us but you have to be careful after injuries.

"I know this myself, having had eight months out. It's not an easy time when you come back - you can't play every game straight away.

"The coach has a lot of experience. He knows what he's doing."