Ballack hopes to work with Lamps

Michael Ballack is confident he and Frank Lampard will hit it off in the Chelsea engine room.

The signing of the Germany midfielder, on a Bosman from Bayern Munich this summer, is regarded as a major coup but some have questioned whether he and Lampard can play in the same team with their similar attack-minded qualities.

Ballack claims he would not mind playing deeper to allow the free-scoring England star to flourish high up the park.

But with the two players in the middle it is a formidable partnership and one which promises many goals.

Ballack said: “Why can’t we be successful together? Frank is a great player but just like at any other team I have really enjoyed playing with my team-mates.

“This is not going to be a problem for me and we both want to be successful which is what will drive us on.

“We want to work with each other and I am glad to be part of the same team as his – side by side.

“It doesn’t really matter where the manager plays me in the team because we all want to succeed. That is not for me to decide and I just want what is best for the side.”