Ancelotti - We will cope without Drogba

29 December 2009 13:45

Carlo Ancelotti has backed his Chelsea side to cope with the absence of Didier Drogba despite his match-winning performance against Fulham.

A Drogba header and a Chris Smalling own goal in the space of two second-half minutes saw the Blues edge out their near-neighbours 2-1 on Monday to restore their five-point lead at the top of the table.

The Ivory Coast striker took his tally to 17 for the season in his final match before heading off to the African Cup of Nations.

Ancelotti will also lose Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel to the two-week tournament in Angola, but the Italian coach does not expect his team to suffer.

"He has scored goals, but without Didier this year we did very well, we won in the Champions League without him and we can do the same in the Premiership," he declared.

"I think in some matches we can change the system, we can use the wing in some matches if there is not space in midfield sometimes."

Meanwhile, Ancelotti is hoping for a more productive January after ending December with an unconvincing victory. The Blues have been held to five draws in all competitions during a frustrating past four weeks.

"We had great determination, great willing and I am very happy," said Ancelotti.

"With this victory and performance, we finished a difficult moment.

"It was not a good December for us but it is finished and we look forward to January where we can do better, but we are doing well."

Source: DSG