Claude Makelele has rubbished rumours he has complained to Jose
Mourinho about Michael Ballack's impact at Chelsea.
Reports had claimed that Makelele, along with Didier Drogba, had
met Mourinho to discuss the German's contribution since joining
from Bayern Munich.
But the reports have irked the veteran Frenchman, who insists there
has been no rift caused by Ballack's arrival at Stamford
Bridge.
"These reports are lies," Makelele is quoted in the Daily Star.
"Most people who know me, and who know Didier, would say we are not
the type of players to talk in the papers.
"It's daft. Michael Ballack knows that we have solidarity, we're
all together, the whole squad, the whole team, so there's nothing
in that."
Chelsea are aiming to complete a hat-trick of Premiership titles,
but currently trail leaders Manchester United by six points.
The champions have won just once in five league matches, but
Makelele disputes the suggestion the club are in crisis.
He added: "It's true we're going through a very difficult time, but
things are not that bad.
"I don't think we're having a really bad time yet. We're second in
the Premiership, in the Champions League, a semi-final of the
Carling Cup and in the FA Cup.
"So, for Chelsea, it's not that bad a period. We'll get back all
the injured players and then we will be competitive to fight until
the end of the season."
