If rumours of Didier Drogba’s imminent departure from Stamford Bridge are to be believed, then the Chelsea forward seems intent on leaving the club on high note by clinching both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Chelsea have performed consistently well in both competitions since Avram Grant replaced Jose Mourinho in September, and have overhauled both Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for the league title.
The Ivorian has endured a hitherto frustrating campaign, but seems to have hit a purple patch of form as the Pensioners set about catching Manchester United on the domestic front and defeating Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final.
Chelsea play with a resolute obduracy under the Israeli, and that stubbornness may help Chelsea to continue their quest for titles on two fronts. The intensity of their performances and their workmanlike consistency have led Chelsea on a march to the precipice of success, from an admittedly underwhelming start.
Drogba is optimistic that his team-mates have the credentials and ability to keep the pressure on United until the potentially crucial Stamford Bridge showdown at the turn of the month. In Europe also, Drogba is sure that their tenacity will provide the ammunition to out-gun their Liverpool counterparts.
Chelsea host Wigan on Monday evening and Chelsea seem unlikely to sully their impressive home-record in that fixture; their rampaging form against so-called lesser teams has seen the London club elevate themselves to their current high standing.
Drogba told This is London: “The most important thing is to win the Premier League or Champions League, and I think we have a good chance to do both, even if it isn’t going to be easy.”
“Manchester United will not give up their lead easily, and for sure Liverpool will rest some players because they are just playing to finish fourth.”
“We are trying to fight for the title. It’s more exciting when you have a lot of intensity in each competition.”
Peter Staunton
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