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Mourinho happy with Ballack
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on midfielder Michael Ballack after his match-winning performance at Bolton Wanderers.
It was Ballack's third league goal since arriving from Bayern Munich and Mourinho is happy with the way the German has settled in.
"I am pleased with Ballack, not just because he scored the winning goal, " he said. "I am pleased with everything. It was crucial in this game to keep the ball, defend well and press high.
"I paired him with Claude Makelele and Ballack is a team player.
"His contribution was great."
It was Ballack's third league goal since arriving from Bayern Munich and Mourinho is happy with the way the German has settled in.
"I am pleased with Ballack, not just because he scored the winning goal, " he said. "I am pleased with everything. It was crucial in this game to keep the ball, defend well and press high.
"I paired him with Claude Makelele and Ballack is a team player.
"His contribution was great."
Benitez believe in Bellamy
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has backed troubled striker Craig Bellamy to bounce back after he was found not guilty of two assault charges earlier in the week.
The Wales international returned to training on Thursday after a five-day hearing in Cardiff and will be named in the Reds' squad to face Wigan on Saturday.
"It is important that this is over as far as he is concerned. It is good that he can now focus on football and that he will start to play to his true level and we will see some good goals from him," said Benitez.
"I do not really know whether it was all playing on his mind more than he showed. When I have been talking to him, it was clear he was trying to do his best on the pitch but maybe if you can analyse such a situation, it could well have been more of a problem for him in his head.
"He is a bright, bubbly lad. But having to spend five days in court is hard."
The Wales international returned to training on Thursday after a five-day hearing in Cardiff and will be named in the Reds' squad to face Wigan on Saturday.
"It is important that this is over as far as he is concerned. It is good that he can now focus on football and that he will start to play to his true level and we will see some good goals from him," said Benitez.
"I do not really know whether it was all playing on his mind more than he showed. When I have been talking to him, it was clear he was trying to do his best on the pitch but maybe if you can analyse such a situation, it could well have been more of a problem for him in his head.
"He is a bright, bubbly lad. But having to spend five days in court is hard."
Sheva is committed and hungry
Andriy Shevchenko insists he's happy at Chelsea and not angling for a return to AC Milan.
But Shevchenko, 30, admitted his indifferent form since his £30m arrival during the summer had sparked speculation he is not happy in England.
He told Chelsea's website: "If that means there is opinion and criticism I respect that.
"I give 100% all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea, who I have total respect for."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended Shevchenko, who has scored just three Premiership goals in 13 outings.
Shevchenko drew another blank in the Blues win at Bolton but Mourinho insisted: "It was a very positive performance from him.
"To be honest, I do not care about goals, I judge players on other items. He knows the way I think about football, I will support him the maximum I can.
"I am told Thierry Henry scored one goal in 12 matches when he moved to Arsenal from Juventus.
"It's not easy to adapt, Italian football is different to English football even though we play the same system as Milan.
"Shevchenko is making a clear improvement, he is very alive on the field.
"I cannot wait for the future when we see the best of him."
But Shevchenko, 30, admitted his indifferent form since his £30m arrival during the summer had sparked speculation he is not happy in England.
He told Chelsea's website: "If that means there is opinion and criticism I respect that.
"I give 100% all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea, who I have total respect for."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has defended Shevchenko, who has scored just three Premiership goals in 13 outings.
Shevchenko drew another blank in the Blues win at Bolton but Mourinho insisted: "It was a very positive performance from him.
"To be honest, I do not care about goals, I judge players on other items. He knows the way I think about football, I will support him the maximum I can.
"I am told Thierry Henry scored one goal in 12 matches when he moved to Arsenal from Juventus.
"It's not easy to adapt, Italian football is different to English football even though we play the same system as Milan.
"Shevchenko is making a clear improvement, he is very alive on the field.
"I cannot wait for the future when we see the best of him."