Michael Ballack believes Liverpool are now on a par with Manchester United in the title race, as the Chelsea midfielder prepares for today's game at Old Trafford.
With Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari conceding that his side need to win today, Ballack says recent form has convinced him that Liverpool are now just as important title rivals as United.
Ballack said: 'A few weeks ago I was sure that Manchester United were our strongest opponents. But now I think Liverpool are a major threat and have been doing very well in recent weeks.
'They have showed in the past few games they have the character to deal with being top of the league. They had one or two games when they struggled, but even then we couldn't get back on top. But now they are doing well.'
With Sir Alex Ferguson intensifying the mind games with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, it seems both Chelsea and United agree that Liverpool are now credible challengers to their recent cosy Premier League duopoly.
Ballack said: 'Liverpool deserve to be first and the teams behind have to wait for them to drop points. But they have shown they can handle pressure. Liverpool are a team we respect.
'It's not like in the past few seasons when Liverpool were inconsistent. It's not like it is October or November. It's the middle of January and they look like they can sustain a challenge for the title.'
Ballack will not even contemplate defeat before today's Old Trafford encounter. Though Chelsea are four points clear of United, the champions have two games in hand and look ominously well placed for the final stretch of the season.
Ballack said: 'I don't want to talk about defeat, especially before a game. I have never done this. We are very positive going into the match. We have a strong team and we will give you an answer on Sunday.
'We need to show we have the quality to beat big teams. Sometimes a draw is not a disaster and we are playing United. It would show the other teams if we came away with a result.'
With Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari conceding that his side need to win today, Ballack says recent form has convinced him that Liverpool are now just as important title rivals as United.
Ballack said: 'A few weeks ago I was sure that Manchester United were our strongest opponents. But now I think Liverpool are a major threat and have been doing very well in recent weeks.
'They have showed in the past few games they have the character to deal with being top of the league. They had one or two games when they struggled, but even then we couldn't get back on top. But now they are doing well.'
With Sir Alex Ferguson intensifying the mind games with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, it seems both Chelsea and United agree that Liverpool are now credible challengers to their recent cosy Premier League duopoly.
Ballack said: 'Liverpool deserve to be first and the teams behind have to wait for them to drop points. But they have shown they can handle pressure. Liverpool are a team we respect.
'It's not like in the past few seasons when Liverpool were inconsistent. It's not like it is October or November. It's the middle of January and they look like they can sustain a challenge for the title.'
Ballack will not even contemplate defeat before today's Old Trafford encounter. Though Chelsea are four points clear of United, the champions have two games in hand and look ominously well placed for the final stretch of the season.
Ballack said: 'I don't want to talk about defeat, especially before a game. I have never done this. We are very positive going into the match. We have a strong team and we will give you an answer on Sunday.
'We need to show we have the quality to beat big teams. Sometimes a draw is not a disaster and we are playing United. It would show the other teams if we came away with a result.'
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