Ballack defends Chelsea keeper Cech

Michael Ballack has jumped to the defence of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Ballack insists Chelsea players still retain total confidence in the Czech Republic international, despite his indifferent form this season.

"We lost a game at Manchester City that could easily have gone in our favour and then everyone says there are problems at Chelsea, but we need to work on areas of our team and set-plays are something we have to give a lot of attention to," said Ballack.

"Defending free-kicks and corners is a team effort and not just down to the defenders and Petr Cech, and attacking at the other end is not just down to Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka. The best teams win as a group and that is the idea Ancelotti promotes in this team.

"The fact that we are top of the Premier League and still talking about areas to improve means we are a team with amazing potential and this is why I'm convinced we can look forward to the second half of the season."