author: Terry Venables
source: The Sun
date: 25 April 2009
editing: fcbtransfers.blogspot.com
Not many teams would have a hope in hell of getting a result against Barcelona in their own backyard. But then not many teams have a striker like Didier Drogba.
And he is one of the primary reasons I believe Chelsea can upset the odds when they face the Catalan giants in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp.
Barca are big favourites to draw first blood. No question about that. The Spaniards are top of La Liga and widely expected to march on Rome next month to add Europe’s top trophy to the domestic crown inevitably coming their way.
But Drogba’s recent rejuvenation gives Chelsea just cause for optimism — and that is something I did not expect to be saying earlier in the season. The Ivory Coast ace seemed unwilling to put in a shift under previous Blues boss Big Phil Scolari. Drogba displayed an unhealthy attitude and it was very sad to see.
Drogba has become a changed player under current caretaker Guus Hiddink. But the Dutchman cannot be credited with the star’s improvements in attitude and performance levels. Drog improved the second Scolari walked out of Chelsea for the last time. I cannot understand that from a supposedly professional player. So many people were relying on him. Supporters. Team-mates. It cannot be right and I do not approve at all.
Drogba is showing now what an outstanding player he is. Had he played like that under Scolari, they might have won the league. He’s probably the best striker in the Premier League right now. He intimidates the opposition before a ball has been kicked. Barcelona are hardly worried by anybody — but they will be scared of the Drog. They will be fretting over his heading, shooting and aggression. They might even be worried about him going over too easily to win free-kicks and penalties.
Drogba has a lot of ammo in his locker. Give him the ball, he will score. He is as good a lone striker as there is. With Drogba spearheading their charge, Chelsea can get at Barcelona. The only problem is, they must get the ball off them first.
read the full and original article here
Read more:
Barça's beauty lies in their bite
Barcelona the team to avoid in Champions League
Barcelona Is Winning With Style
Sunday 26 April 2009
Drogba's form leads to Chelsea optimism
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6 comments:
drogba is one of the best strikers out there,i think pique will man mark him when they have the ball,pique is the only player we have of that kind of body ,but then again its not like they are gonna have the ball alot of times in camp nou hehehe
Drogba is really dangerous. one of the best strikers in the world.i would certainly play puyol in the center for his speed!
After yesterdays really poor showing against Valencia, im a bit worried about the chelsea games now. Messi didn't seem to be running past players like he has. Hope its just a phase, cos we need it to tear up Bosingwa in the Camp Nou!
hey rob, bosingwa and cole aren't playing. ivanovic and mancienne will play so i've heard.
I love the last sentence "The only problem is, they must get the ball off them first."......let dem come get the ball off our feet first b4 talking about winning.
The author, Terry Venables is a former Barca manager. He was manager in the 80's I believe.
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