The Hindu : Sport / Football : Ballack wants a favour from Wigan

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
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Ballack wants a favour from Wigan

LONDON: Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has pleaded with Wigan to give everything in its English Premier League title decider against Manchester United on Sunday.

United will retain the English title if it wins at Wigan but Chelsea can snatch the crown if it beats Bolton and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side draws or loses.

With Wigan safe from relegation and former United defender Steve Bruce now in charge of the Latics, it has been suggested the reigning champion will get an easy ride at the JJB Stadium.

But Ballack knows how dangerous Wigan can be after it drew at Chelsea last month and the Germany midfielder, who scored his side’s first goal in their 2-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday, expects them to be 100 percent committed this weekend.

“The pressure is on and I hope Wigan are proud enough to give everything in the last game,” Ballack said.

“I remember when we played them at home they put four strikers on in the last four minutes to try something and I hope they do the same against Manchester United.

“I hope they are not on their holidays. They have secured their place in the league but they have enough time to celebrate before preparing for this game.”

The thrilling finale to the closest English title race since 1968 is the result of Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of the leader.

Avram Grant’s team trailed by eight points at one stage but it has reeled off a 20-match unbeaten run to draw level with United.

Last-day drama

Ballack experienced the downside of last-day drama in Germany when Bayer Leverkusen lost the title to Bayern Munich after leading the Bundesliga.

So he is certain United’s players will be feeling the heat now there is no more margin for error. “I am sure everyone at United was watching on the television hoping Newcastle would get a result, but it didn’t happen. The next six days could feel like a long or short time for them,” Ballack said.

“United have everything in their hands but we are relaxed now. We did our job. We will give everything to beat Bolton at home and we will see what they do.”

If Chelsea does win the title, it will be presented with a replica of the trophy because the Premier League has decided to send the real silverware to Wigan in anticipation of a United victory.

Two sets of winners’ medals have also been made and Chelsea captain John Terry admitted it would be agonising to fall at the final hurdle. — AFP

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