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“I would never say that” – Former Chelsea captain hits back at Didier Drogba comments

By Simon Phillips -

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba made some honest and passionate comments about his club last week as things continue to look gloomy at Chelsea.

His comments have received mixed reactions really from the Chelsea fanbase, but the majority of them at least understand where he is coming from and what he is saying, as does former Chelsea captain Frank Leboeuf, even though he doesn’t necessarily agree with the comments or would ever say that about Chelsea himself.

And he has explained this and much more in his latest exclusive and extensive Chelsea column for Si & Dan Talk Chelsea this week.

Before we see what Frank had to say on it all, let’s remind ourselves of the comments from Drogba. He said: “I knew this club with a certain class during the [Roman] Abramovich era, but today I find it lacking. It’s very hard for me to see how they got rid of certain people.

“There is a new owner and a new vision. Of course, we try to compare it with what happened during the Abramovich era where a lot of players were brought in, but the decisions were very intelligent.

“Bringing in players like Cech, Shevchenko, Crespo, Essien, Drogba, Malouda. It was done to win titles. They are players with a certain experience. The strategy is now different; we bet on young players. But a dressing room of over 30 players is difficult for a manager.

“They should go back to the principles and values they had. I no longer recognise my club.”

Frank certainly didn’t disagree as such, but he just says that this is not something he would say about Chelsea, and he actually explains why very well.

He said: “I would never say that personally because Chelsea is my club. The club is not represented by the board for me, the club is represented by the fans, and the club belongs to the fans. They know the history of it.

“So saying that he no longer recognises the club that he used to play for, I wouldn’t say that because Chelsea is Chelsea, and owners will come and go. But I understand what Drogba means, even if I cannot agree with him.”

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17 Comments

  3. U didn’t agreed but u don’t have valid points. you just want self recognition comment. all those players in Chelsea now are not experienced or what are u saying? Most of them have lifted the cup DD never lifted during his and ur era thou. So what make them not inexperienced?

    2. DD did not say they are not experienced,he said they’re players with certain experience meaning before you bring in players,they the club should know the position that’s lacking not just to buy players so before you criticize a post understand the content..

  4. What Didier said is true.In the Ibra Era even wen we lost it didn’t got to the extent of players doing wat is unnecessary.we buying everything n offering big salaries to the new comers hw abt Todd appreciate those who hv been at chelsea for years as a sign of motivation.lastly Todd must hv limits be the “Owner n let the coach do his job stop interfering wth the strategy ,way of play.#Imisschelsea

  5. Didier said it all. It’s hard for me to recognize the team when it plays. Except for the jersey, there’s nothing CHELSEA about this current team and Club.

    The Chelsea Logo is LION. Recruitments in the past were done with that in mind. This lion heart factor is missing.

  6. The new owner is the problem, trying to interfere in the play and buying players and hoisting them on the coach. Heard there are also currently 2 sporting directors, everyone having an opinion. This is an avenue for disaster

  8. I didnt blame frank much but he did one thing i don’t like, potter didn’t registered aubameyang for CL, we played RM and during the weekend match against Brighton why can’t we have a standing striker.. We ve got other substitute striker left on bench why he kept on wt the old tactics of potter.. Its not good at all.. We expect lampard to bring in positive vibe. Besides he has once coach Chelsea wt the worst set of players and finished 4th place.

  10. I think DD talked truth, i remember 2012 champions league, Napoli game this is the game that changed players mentality bcos of experience and went ahead to win it. But we could have turned things around in the Madrid 2nd leg game if we had the experience DD is talking about. We even lack leadership in the locker room. DD won titles during his time and Leboeuf had nothing to present us. DD is right

  11. Drogba actually spoke the truth with passion and truthfulness. The Chelsea nemesis actually started before Tuchel left the club, coz i watch him bring in certain players that are not Chelsea standard. Tuchel brought in cucurrella, koulibally considering his age and pace in the league, Fofana but he needs to play under a no nonsense coach to build his mind aubumeyang, and Sterling which is a no no, terrible transfers! The new owners came in and they decide to change the board, Change the likes peter cech as well knowing fully well that this are guys that truly understand our style and traditions. Chelsea is know for strength, agility, fighters and we don’t have that anymore in our midfield, defense and attack anymore. We just have the likes of Kante and Thiago that’s all. The worst of it all is when the owners brought in Tuchel and they are about to make another blonder by bringing in Pochettino which is no difference from the former manager Thomas Tuchel!

  12. What is it they lifted DD did not lift apart from the super cup and club world cup? How many of the new players in Chelsea look like they could win anything for the club?

  14. Either you agree or disagree, truth is truth why False is False.

    Drogba has said is own part of the truth.
    Thanks DD

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