Ballack relishes Liverpool´s spluttering start

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack admits Liverpool’s spluttering start has given his side added belief they can win the Premier League this season.

The Reds are expected to be major challengers for Manchester United’s title but Rafa Benitez’s team have already lost two of their opening four games.

While Liverpool have struggled, Chelsea surged to the top of the table with four wins out of four under new coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“It was a surprise that Liverpool lost twice in the first three games and it gives us extra motivation,” Ballack said.

“All we can do is win games. We have to focus on ourselves and if we play the best we can we can win the league.”

Ballack, who has scored two goals so far this season, believes a rare close-season without any international action has left him refreshed and in peak form.

“It was a good pre-season,” he said. “The finish to last season with Guus Hiddink, the team looked well and played good football and that is what we have done at the beginning of this season.

“The coach is always important to put a good atmosphere in the team and since Carlo Ancelotti arrived he has brought the team back together.

“We are always happy when we are in first position. It is early in the season and we know there is a lot to do to keep this position, but the victories have given us a lot of confidence.”