Ballack studying for UEFA coaching license, immediately linked with Lampard’s Chelsea

Four days ago, Michael Ballack wished his friend and former teammate Frank Lampard a happy birthday on Instagram and added a “see you soon” to his well wishes in the caption.

Then yesterday, Ballack posted a couple shots from the UEFA coaching convention he was attending with FA Wales, revealing that he is studying for his UEFA B coaching license, which is required to become an assistant coach at a professional club.

Put two and two together, and you have Sky Sports Germany dropping the rumor hotness that is Ballack joining Lampard’s staff at Chelsea.

No, that’s really all that it’s based on.

In fairness, Chelsea do appear to be getting the entire band back together, possibly with a backing band, and an extra touring member or two as well.

Lampard is expected to be joined by assistants Jody Morris (another former player) and Chris Jones (not a former player), as well as goalkeeper coach Shay Given (former player, but not for Chelsea). Meanwhile, rumors persist of Claude Makelele returning to work with the loan department in some capacity, while Petr Cech has already returned in a technical advisory (future director?) role. Didier Drogba is often name-dropped as well, and now Michael Ballack, too. Ashley Cole played for Lampard last season and stated his ambition to go into coaching as well, so he’s probably not far behind. The likes of Joe Cole, Paulo Ferreira, Carlo Cudicini, Eddie Newton, Jon Harley, Andy Myers, Tore Andre Flo, and Gianfranco Zola (at least for now) are all here already (and I’m sure I’m forgetting some more). Ironically, the only name not in the mixer is John Terry, who signed a new contract at Aston Villa.

You know, Fernando Torres is looking to get into coaching as well! There’s room for everyone on this stage!