Jose Mourinho has hinted Michael Ballack will not be an automatic selection for Chelsea this season.
The Germany international star was expected to light up the Premier League in his debut campaign following a free transfer switch from Bayern Munich.
However, the midfield schemer struggled to make an impact and Mourinho has conceded the 30-year-old found it hard to adapt to English football.
With competition fierce for midfield roles, the Portuguese tactician has challenged Ballack to show his true form and fight for his place.
"What I can say is that he's a player I like," said Mourinho. "I like him very much, but life is not easy.
"Like for the other people, life is not easy. We have a lot of good players.
"I'm not the kind of coach that gives places to people just because they are faces or names.
"Everybody has to fight for his place but I think they have a difficult task because the squad is really good."
Source : www.skysports.com
By James Pearson - Created on 16 Jul 2007
