Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Blues change suits Drogba

03 Feb 2007 - 12:13:31

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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba claims he would have left the club last summer had coach Jose Mourinho not opted to give him more support in the Blues attack.

The 28-year-old striker often ploughed a lone furrow up front for Chelsea last season and was concerned that the same could happen again this term, however, a summer chat with Mourinho gave Drogba reason to stay put.

He told The Sun: "I went to see the manager to tell him I wouldn't do another season like the one before.

"I was fed up working like a dog up front without too much resulting for me in return.

"I wanted to rediscover the pleasure in playing football and getting the best from myself.

"Fortunately my meeting with the manager was very timely, because he told me he wanted to change the system and play with two strikers and a playmaker.

"That meant I would have less of the basic workload when it came to winning the ball back and closing opponents down.

"Obviously that has allowed me to put more strength and effort into other things, like scoring goals. This season I have noticed my team-mates see me differently."

Drogba has cashed in on his new-found freedom, netting 23 goals in all competitions, including hat-tricks in the Premiership against Watford and in the Champions League against Levski Sofia.