We're lacking cutting edge, claims Chelsea two-goal hero Ballack

25 January 2009 16:08
At the double: Michael Ballack steps up to score his second goal from a free-kick But Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, beaten by Burnley in the Carling Cup and taken to a replay by League One side Southend in the FA Cup third round, still squandered a host of chances to kill off Coca-Cola Championship side Ipswich. Their impotence in front of goal has not gone unnoticed by Ballack who was quick to admit that despite three straight wins, the team was going through a difficult patch.   More... Chelsea 3 Ipswich 1: Lampard and Ballack spoil Town dream Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho admits his interest in Didier Drogba and Jermaine Jenas CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB 'It was a difficult game like it always is the FA Cup,' said Ballack. 'We scored in the right moments with some nice goals. But we can still improve our game and play better, we know this. 'We try this every week but it is a difficult period for us at the moment. We have to go through it to get back to better performances. Jumping for joy: Ballack celebrates 'Sometimes it is just little things. Confidence and a little more relaxing in our game. 'It is a weakness at the moment - we have a lot of possession and create chances but we are not good enough in front of the goal to score goals and kill the game.' Chelsea's defending against set-pieces has cost them dear this season and Ipswich took advantage of another clanger to cancel out Ballack's opening goal. The German did not pull any punches when it came to assessing their set-piece defending. He said: 'We have to be focused on these set pieces and defensively must improve,otherwise we will sometimes kill our good game. 'It's not good for the confidence of the team and we have to improve this.' Meanwhile Ballack says he is ready to stay at Chelsea for the foreseeable future. His contract expires at the end of the season and the Blues are expected to offer the 32-year-old an extension that incorporates a lower salary and bigger bonuses. Ballack has a one-year option on his contract and is thought to prefer a two-year deal but the midfielder claims he is completely relaxed about his situation. He added: 'My situation is that we will speak in the next few weeks and I think we will find a way. As I said, I am happy here and I hope I can play a few more years here.'   More... Chelsea 3 Ipswich 1: Lampard and Ballack spoil Town dream Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho admits his interest in Didier Drogba and Jermaine Jenas CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB  

Source: Daily_Mail