Ballack backing Bayern

Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack is backing the German outfit to win the Champions League final on Saturday.

The 35-year-old, now playing for Bayer Leverkusen, was part of the Chelsea team which lost in the 2008 final and suffered similar heartache in 2001 during a previous stint at his current club.

Ballack spent four seasons with both of this year’s finalists during a distinguished playing career and, while he recognises Chelsea’s strengths, he believes Bayern Munich hold the advantage, particularly with the match being played at the Allianz Arena.

“Of course Chelsea can upset the odds – they did it against Barcelona,” the former Germany captain told Chelsea TV.

“Everything looks like Bayern are favourites, they are playing at home which is a big advantage in a final.

“They kicked out Real Madrid in the semis and, although they were two tight games, they deserved it.

“They have a good team and were in the final two years ago, when they lost against Inter Milan, so they’re very hungry.

“But Chelsea know their strengths and know their quality. They’ve had a difficult season but, in the last few weeks, have showed what they can do.

“They play exactly how they know they have to in order to win and they still have unbelievable quality.”