Monday, November 2, 2009

Drogba ready to work - Ancelotti

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Champions League Group D
Venue: Vicente Calderon Stadium
Date: Tuesday, 3 Nov 2009 Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live and Sky Sports Xtra

Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba returns to Champions League action in Madrid

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says Didier Drogba is "ready to work for the team" as he prepares to make his European comeback on Tuesday.

The Ivory Coast striker will line up against Atletico Madrid in his first Champions league outing since the semi-final defeat to Barcelona in May.

Drogba was given a three-match ban for abusing the referee after the match.

"He will return to work for the team - and he is ready to work," said Blues boss Ancelotti.

The Italian said he had witnessed the ugly scenes which followed Chelsea's controversial defeat to Barca.

Andres Iniesta's late goal ensured the Spanish champions progressed to the final on away goals after Norwegian referee Tom Ovrebo had rejected a succession of Chelsea penalty appeals.

Drogba, who had been substituted because of injury, marched on to the pitch after the whistle to subject referee Ovrebo to a prolonged verbal tirade.

"I saw what happened," said Ancelotti. "I didn't speak with him about this, I'd rather speak about the results of the last three games."

Ancelotti pointed out that Chelsea are in good form, having recorded wins of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 since beating Atletico 4-0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago.

They sit top of Group D after three straight victories, three points clear of second-placed Porto.

Victory on Tuesday evening would ensure qualification for the last 16 with two matches to spare.

Chelsea will fancy their chances against a side that have won once in nine Primera Liga games and have gained just a point in the Champions League so far.

Former Valencia and Benfica coach Quique Sanchez Flores has replaced Abel Resino, who was sacked as manager following the defeat to Chelsea.

"Quique Sanchez Flores is a good coach, he had a good experience at Valencia and I think he can do a good job at Atletico Madrid," said Ancelotti.

"We have respect for Atletico because they have very good players; (Tomas) Ujfalusi is a good defender, (Sergio) Aguero is a very good striker, (Diego) Forlan is a very good striker, Maxi is a very good midfielder.

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Carlo_Chelsea

"I think now is not a very good moment for them, but I think they have the quality to get out of their situation."

Chelsea are two points clear of Manchester United in the Premier League and are well-placed to challenge for the two biggest prizes this season, but Ancelotti is under no illusions as to where the club's priorities should lie.

"The Champions League for me is the most important trophy this season," he said. "I won it as a player and a coach and it was a fantastic moment in my career.

"I think for this club it's important to try in all competitions until the end of the season.

"To win the Champions League is very, very difficult. Everything has to go well for us to win."

ะพ 10:36 AM

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