BBC Sportfootball

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 18:41 GMT, Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Scolari plays down Drogba rumours

Didier Drogba
Drogba has been left out of the squad for the last two Chelsea matches

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has played down speculation about Didier Drogba's future at the club.

Scolari hinted the 30-year-old striker could return for Chelsea's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Ipswich on Saturday, following a two-game absence.

"Didier may be with the squad against Ipswich, he does not have a problem with me or the club," Scolari said.

"He is training very well and starting to build his condition again, not only his fitness but his technique too."

Scholari left Drogba out of the squad for Chelsea's 4-1 win in the FA Cup third-round replay against Southend and Saturday's comeback victory against Stoke in the Premier League.

"It's a normal situation, for these games I chose other players," said Scolari, who opted for youngsters Miroslav Stoch and Franco Di Santo in the two games that Drogba missed.

I have to follow the idea of the board and my idea for the future of Chelsea

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari

"It was my choice not to have Drogba but I don't have anything against him.

"I am the coach, it was my choice and the two young kids offered me more (against Stoke)."

Chelsea have consistently said Drogba will not be sold but Scolari suggested on Saturday that he could leave Stamford Bridge if an offer was big enough.

Drogba, signed from Marseille for �24m in July 2004, has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, coached by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

606: DEBATE
bluedoginoz
Scolari suggested the decision to include Stoch and Di Santo in the squad to face Stoke represented a change in philosophy at the club, with more emphasis on blooding young talent rather than signing expensive stars.

"Di Santo is a young boy. He came on the pitch and helped us," said Scolari. "Miroslav Stoch is a young boy and he helped us.

"This is the way for Chelsea in this moment. I have to follow the idea of the board and my idea for the future of Chelsea."

Meanwhile Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has said the club will not be forced into the transfer market, despite midfielder Joe Cole being ruled out for the rest of the season, as they have a long-term plan.

"He [Scolari] has said consistently that he doesn't want random replacements if we can't get the players he identified.

"We have a long-term plan with him and will build on what we have achieved so far.

"We are in great shape and the best thing we can do is win trophies and be self-sufficient."

Print Sponsor


see also
Chelsea 2-1 Stoke
17 Jan 09 |  Premier League
Southend 1-4 Chelsea
14 Jan 09 |  FA Cup
Scolari calls for Chelsea unity
13 Jan 09 |  Chelsea
Chelsea 'must give Scolari time'
13 Jan 09 |  Chelsea
Alan Hansen's column
12 Jan 09 |  Football
Title hopes damaged, says Scolari
12 Jan 09 |  Premier League
Man Utd 3-0 Chelsea
11 Jan 09 |  Premier League
Drogba banned for three matches
18 Nov 08 |  Chelsea
Drogba will miss start of season
04 Aug 08 |  Chelsea


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites