Michael Ballack believes Chelsea need some ‘luck’ to finally get their hands on The Champions League trophy in the future.
The German is yet to sign a new one-year contract at Stamford Bridge although he insists he will still be at Chelsea next season.
The latest bid to win the Champions League ended in a dramatic loss to eventual champions Barcelona in the semi finals.
Chelsea won two Premier League titles during the Jose Mourinho era, and Ballack feels the present side is just as good.
“We have stepped forward. We were in the final [Champions League] last year and, in my opinion, we are one of the strongest teams,” Ballack said.
“We were really unlucky to be knocked out of the competition, so you cannot say the club is going in the wrong direction.“
“If you compare the club with teams like Man U and Arsenal they are really, really strong teams -only one can win the league.
“Man U have had a really good time in the last few years like Chelsea the two years before.
“We try every year to come close and next year is another year. You need a bit of luck and if you don’t have it, you do not win it.”
Ashley Cole told setanta.com that it was thrilling to become the first player in the modern era to win five FA Cup winner's medals.
The left-back won his first FA Cup in 2002 with Arsenal which unfortunately went by in a blur.
"The first time I came to Wembley I was only young and couldn't believe I am playing in the final," Cole said. "To come back now and win five is brilliant."