Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea are the strongest team in Europe, says Blues star Ballack
Barcelona's Champions League triumph will only serve to intensify Chelsea's nagging mood of missed opportunity, and Michael Ballack maintains there was nobody stronger than them in Europe this year. [LNB]Guus Hiddink's team nullified the Barca threat for 180 minutes of their semi-final against the Spanish champions, only to be beaten on away goals after Andres Iniesta's equaliser in stoppage time of the second leg at Stamford Bridge. [LNB]Ballack said before Saturday's FA Cup final against Everton: 'We've played a good season with a lot of good performances. In the Champions League especially, I think we were one of the strongest, if not the strongest, team. But we didn't get to that final, so this is our last chance to win something.' [LNB] Ball boys: Michael Ballack prepares for Saturday's FA Cup, taking on midfield team-mate Frank Lampard in training[LNB]Ballack's career has become almost as notable for its near misses asits successes. He has lost his two Champions League finals, was arunner-up at Euro 2008 and missed Germany's defeat in the 2002 WorldCup final through suspension. [LNB] Chelsea's Alex cleared for Cup clash but hernia op rules him out for Brazil Obi's Wembley dream: Chelsea star insists FA Cup glory would make up for European woe Bayern blast to Chelsea: Our France wing wizard Franck Ribery is NOT for saleCHELSEA FC
