STRIKE PARTNERS?

By dixon9
February 16 2009

Both Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba have spoken to the media with regard to their hopes for the future under Hiddink and the desire to play together and form a strike partnership. For the final 20 mins against Watford, Ray Wilkins switched to 4-4-2 which brought three goals to win the tie after going behind.

Both Anelka and Drogba have often complained about their managers´ resistance to playing them together both as strikers since Grant took over and bought Anelka in January 2008.  In fact, according to Anelka, Grant told the player at the time of his transfer from Bolton that he bought him to play alongside Drogba, something which hardly materialised.

Anelka

“Of course we can work as a partnership,” said Anelka.

“Like I said before and as Didier has said in the past, we’ve never tried playing us together. Even the 20 minutes on Saturday were good because we showed everybody that we can play together and we can score. It was me scoring, but it might be Didier next time. That’s good. And good for Chelsea.”

"A lot of people said we couldn't play together, but we have never really tried to play together. Today, in 20 minutes, we scored three goals. It's not about me. To play with Didier up front changed the game, and that's why we scored the goals and won the game.”

"People have asked whether we have a Plan B but we've never tried playing us together. Even the 20 minutes today were good because we showed everybody that we can play together and we can score. Today it was me scoring, but it might be Didier next time.”

"I've played as a striker all my life. To play on the right or the left is always difficult. To help Chelsea, I can do that. But it's even better if I can play up front with Didier because, if that's the case, maybe I can help Chelsea even more."

Drogba

"My partnership with Nicolas Anelka? There is something special between us,” said Drogba.

"We are clever enough to know how to play together.”

"It had been a long time since he had scored (prior to Saturday) and then he scores three in one match. I hope that will boost his confidence because the team needs him."

It only remains to be seen what system(s) Hiddink will use and of course it may take him a good few games before he decides.  Quaresma is currently driving towards full fitness and his inclusion may favour a 4-3-3.

One thing is clear though – Drogba and Anelka do play well together and should at the very least form a plan B option.

The future

"I don't want to talk about the Scolari departure," Drogba told French football magazine, L'Equipe.

"It's always good for a player to be on the pitch. It's always better to have some games. We have to look forward because we have big games coming, against Aston Villa and the Champions League. We want to see how far we can go, what we can achieve. The new manager is going to be important. I think the players are intelligent enough to understand what he will want to achieve."

"The match against Watford? It felt so good to start a match again!"

"That is the best way for me to find my best form. If you want to improve your physical shape, it is always better to be playing matches."

"I didn't enjoy my time out of the team, because that would mean that I lack ambition. I can't say that it was not disappointing."

“I have been off the pitch for about five months. I hope now to show that I deserve to play. We want to see how far we can go. I think today we showed we want to get to another FA Cup Final.”

"I gave my all to get back, though, and now it is up to me to show that I deserve to be on the pitch." 

“I hope I will get back to my best before the end of the season,”

Drogba and Anelka on 4-4-2 and the future

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 16/02/2009 14:05

50 Years Over 100 Years
16/02/2009 14:05

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
16/02/2009 17:20

I thought we got the old Drogba back on Saturday. He was on fire!!!



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
16/02/2009 18:11

Certainly looked VERY sharp in the first half.

.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

nure
19/02/2009 00:19

hey you albanist ti drogba je ni si yll por edhe ti anelka je yll. ju dua shum vazhdoni ashu oklove you drogba and anelka caoo.klm

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
19/02/2009 22:45

.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net