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Chelsea dressing room ‘suffering’ admits Didier Drogba as title defence hangs by a thread
Didier Drogba has admitted the Chelsea dressing room has been “suffering” during Chelsea’s recent run of disastrous form and says his own performances have been hampered by his battles with injury and malaria.
Both Chelsea and Drogba have been below their best since a promising start to the season, with last week’s victory over Bolton their only success in the league in nine matches and Drogba himself on the score sheet just eight times in all competitions, three of which were plundered on the opening day of the season.
Much of that is down to injuries distrusting his season as well as a bout of malaria which was diagnosed in November. Though the Ivorian admits that the club’s troubles more than his own personal ills has cast a dark cloud over the club in recent weeks.
“Chelsea’s current position compared to last season is actually very similar but maybe our injuries and less goals have brought about a negative mood,” Drogba told the Sun newspaper.
“In the last weeks Carlo Ancelotti has been unhappy — and the squad, too. Chelsea are not accustomed to defeats and the dressing room has suffered.
“But the season is long and it is normal to suffer lots of changes.
“We play Wolves next and I hope our bad phase has disappeared. We need three points and that’s the most important thing.
“Injuries and the malaria have damaged my performances. I am still not 100 per cent but I am fighting in each match to improve my playing levels and help the team.
‘’This season has been complicated for me by physical problems.
‘’It has not been easy to regain my strength but we need the points and my presence is necessary. I have always sacrificed for the team – and Chelsea need me.’’
The mood at Stamford Bridge appeared to have been lifted by the victory over Bolton but defensive frailties were evident again when they hosted Aston Villa at the weekend, twice throwing away a lead, damagingly in stoppage time when John terry had looked to have salvaged another win with a late strike to make it 3-2.
However, Drogba pinpoints the defeat to Arsenal just after Christmas as the worst for morale, coming as it did against a potential title rival and in such comprehensive a fashion.
“We did not play a good match — Arsenal were very effective in attack and that’s the key in today’s football,” said Drogba.
“I don’t like to say it, but at the Emirates our attacking actions were few and without decent combinations. Without doubt this was a bad night.
“Our supporters have been faithful all along. We have suffered defeats but the fans are always there to help.
“During some bad weeks I have noticed the support of so many people and this is very important. I just ask the fans to be patient and calm.”