LONDON, May 18: Michael Ballack is determined to make up for the worst season of his life by helping Chelsea win the Champions League.

The 31-year-old German star experienced a year to forget in 2002 when he came agonisingly close to three major trophies with Bayer Leverkusen but ended up empty-handed.

Leverkusen surrendered the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich, lost in the Champions League final to Real Madrid and were also beaten in the German Cup final.

To make matters even worse, the Germany midfielder was suspended as his country lost the World Cup final to Brazil just a month later.

Ballack could have been forgiven for fearing he is in for another season of despair after Chelsea lost the League Cup final to Tottenham and were pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester United.—AFP