Tweet
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says he has "reached his limit" after playing only seven Premiership games since moving to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues' campaigns on three fronts and his international duties for Germany mean that he has already played 16 games this season, the first coming just a few weeks after an appearance in the World Cup semi-finals.
The German says that he would welcome being rested "for the odd game" as he eyes a season without the winter break he was given in the Bundesliga.
"I'm not running on reserve just yet," Ballack said, "but I have reached my limit in terms of the physical demands."
But the German captain says he has no regrets about making the switch to the Premiership despite its rigours.
"I deliberately gave up the nice footballing life that you have in Munich, as I wanted to prove myself and impose myself again. Everything is quite new: the surroundings, the team, the level of expectation. At Chelsea all the players are of a high quality," he said.
"The respected and privileged position that I carved for myself in Germany is no longer there. Good performances are crucial. But I'm happy that I took that step."
The Blues' campaigns on three fronts and his international duties for Germany mean that he has already played 16 games this season, the first coming just a few weeks after an appearance in the World Cup semi-finals.
The German says that he would welcome being rested "for the odd game" as he eyes a season without the winter break he was given in the Bundesliga.
"I'm not running on reserve just yet," Ballack said, "but I have reached my limit in terms of the physical demands."
But the German captain says he has no regrets about making the switch to the Premiership despite its rigours.
"I deliberately gave up the nice footballing life that you have in Munich, as I wanted to prove myself and impose myself again. Everything is quite new: the surroundings, the team, the level of expectation. At Chelsea all the players are of a high quality," he said.
"The respected and privileged position that I carved for myself in Germany is no longer there. Good performances are crucial. But I'm happy that I took that step."
Comment