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Desailly fears Drogba and Anelka aren´t compatible

December 11, 2008
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Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly admits Luiz Felipe Scolari faces a major struggle to turn Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka into a formidable Premier League strike-force.

Drogba rarely played alongside Anelka last season and the Ivory Coast star has yet to start a game with the France forward this season.

Even after Drogba came off the bench to score the decisive goal that booked Chelsea's place in the Champions League last 16 against Cluj on Tuesday, Scolari admitted he is still unsure how to get his two leading hitmen firing on all cylinders.

It is not the first time it has been suggested their talents aren't compatible and Desailly agrees that, although both are clearly gifted individuals, it will be hard to make them into a potent force together.

“The fact they have Drogba back is not so important. It is good because he is a top player but Anelka has done well. I'm not sure they can play together,” said Desailly, who won the 1998 World Cup with France.

Drogba's ability to work as lone targetman has made him invaluable to Chelsea over the last four years.

In Drogba's absence through injury and suspension, Anelka has scored 15 times but the Blues have often looked toothless without their powerful talisman.

With Scolari generally opting for one striker and two wide players, there will have to be a complete change in team philosophy to accomodate both.

Desailly, now working as a spokesman for the sponsors of the Premier League, believes it will take many hours of practice and discussion on the training ground.

“There is no competition between them on a personal level. They are friends. It is just a matter of communication,” he said.

“The manager has to tell them to adapt themselves. Drogba probably is the one who is able to stay more up front, where Anelka can turn and catch an opportunity.

“It is communication. If Scolari manages to explain this then maybe they can work together.”

After initially storming to the top of the Premier League at the start of the season, Chelsea have spluttered in recent weeks.

Desailly believes injuries to a host of key players are behind the slump and he expects Chelsea to get back on track once the midfielders have a chance to gel again.

“Remember the first 15 games of the season. Regardless of the result you could see a special Chelsea,” Desailly said. “It was something different from Mourinho or Avram Grant's sides.

“They were more exciting and playing much more in midfield. Obi Mikel, Ballack, Lampard and Deco. This is what made the difference.

“I feel the stability of the team is the key. They don't have Essien at the moment and Deco has been injured, Ballack the same. When all these players are fit they should be strong again.”


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Comments

7 Responses to “Desailly fears Drogba and Anelka aren´t compatible”

  1. vincent kwentua on January 8th, 2009 15:11

    I am Chelsea fan, Chelsea should sale out Nicolas Anelka.he killing Chelsea football.Chelsea should buy a very top skriker,who will be helping Drogba in the front.

    Our game is coming down they should sale some palyers like Anelka and others.

    Vincent Kwentua.

  2. chris on January 8th, 2009 16:19

    drogba is the best striker in the world .anellka aint good he must get sold this transfer season

  3. Dylan on January 8th, 2009 21:42

    Drogba is far better than Anelka will ever be. I agree with Chris. Chelsea should get rid of Anelka a pick up someone else. Benzema from Lyon i’d say would be a good choice if Lyon would sell him.

  4. Evans on January 10th, 2009 8:35

    I think the problem with chelsea is not Anelka or Drogba but the management they should consider the wings

  5. Kenedy@chelsea on January 15th, 2009 23:04

    At chelsea currently, both managers and players ar faulty. Manager needs 2 give d right instructions, formation, substitution, plus he has 2be disciplined. Players should be disciplined, get off themselves psycologycal trauma, play real ‘Never Die’ spirit, then xpect chelsea 2be d most topin club in d world!

  6. lenard bosire on January 20th, 2009 10:53

    I would like to concur with other readers/ardent supporters of chelsea that we need serious football back like the days of mourinho- commitment,hardworking,self belief. As much as i like Anelka as good player you ought to remember still he cannot match Drogba`s ability and force! He is not the kind of player who scores in big matches, he`s more of a striking midfielder than an end man!
    You never know what you got till you loss it!!!
    Chelsea should go back to the drawing board, it`s not about sleeky football it`s about winning that`s what counts at the end of the game.
    We dearly regret the abscence of Essien and now joe cole that will be a bg setback. Kudos for their last match against stoke city you showed more costistency and that is what we look forward to.
    The game is about goals and that`s what we want!

    ardent chelsea supporter currently in india
    Lenard Bosire Mokaya

  7. moses mashango on February 6th, 2009 11:52

    we need a better striker i think anelka is killig us. Drogba need more games i think our caoch should field him to bring his form back.

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