Drogba return delights Ballack
Drogba was injured at the start of the season and spent the last three domestic matches suspended for throwing a coin at Burnley fans — but he is raring to go and scored against CFR Cluj last night to send Chelsea through to the Champions League knockout stages.
“He’s a big, big quality player to have back — because you see, especially at home, teams are very defensive against us and close up the middle,” said Germany midfielder Ballack.
“We have to change our style, and Didier is a player who can always change the game. He needs one chance and makes the difference.
“That is what Didier is, and we are happy he is back from injury and the suspension. It was the best answer for him against Cluj.”
Drogba bolsters an attack led by Nicolas Anelka — who has scored 15 goals this season — and boss Luiz Felipe Scolari admits he needs to find a way to accommodate both strikers.
It could offer an alternative to the 4-3-3 formation that has struggled at Stamford Bridge recently — the win over Cluj was the Blues’ first home win in more than a month.
Scolari said: “After this, it is my job to put the two together.”
Drogba’s return at least gives Scolari options, and his presence is welcomed by his team-mates.
Salomon Kalou, scorer of the first goal in the 2-1 win over Cluj, said: “Didier is a vital player for us, so it is important we keep him fit.”
Midfielder Deco added: “We need Didier. He is a great player and now he has to be strong and play with confidence.”
Drogba’s suspension has coincided with a sticky period for Scolari’s men, yet they still progressed in Europe and are only a point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
“You have these parts of the season, I hope we can go back to before, and if we look at the next games it is possible we win a few on the road,” said Ballack.
“It is our big target now. We are focused on the league and maybe we can go top over Christmas, then look forward to the beginning of next year.”
Against Cluj, Chelsea struggled until Drogba came off the bench and netted the winner.
John Terry demanded improvement after the narrow victory, with Ballack echoing the captain’s sentiments.
After falling at the final hurdle last season, Ballack said: “If you want to get to the final you have to improve your game.
“Compared to the last two seasons, when we were in the semi-final and the final, we know we have to improve.
“But we can do this. We have players coming back and we will have more strength in the team.”
Meanwhile Frank Lampard has thanked fans for making him a “Chelsea person” after growing up a West Ham supporter as a boy — and he is determined to win the Premier League title back for them.
England midfielder Lampard followed in the footsteps of his father by playing at Upton Park but after moving to Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old gets targeted by Hammers fans when he plays against them.
It will be no different when Gianfranco Zola’s men travel across London on Sunday, with Chelsea look to maintain their title challenge.
Lampard said: “The reason I’m so close with the fans and have a rapport with them is that coming from West Ham and growing up a West Ham fan and coming to Chelsea, looking back I didn’t understand so much it was a potentially difficult move because of the rivalry,” he said.
“It was a difficult year when I arrived and I wasn’t playing outstandingly well but they took to me, gave me a chance, and in the second year got fully behind me.
“The way they are with me on the pitch and off the pitch, I feel very strongly as a Chelsea person and it’s overtaken my life. I can’t forget that.
“It’s well documented that there was the potential to leave in the summer but I didn’t want to let down the people who supported me over the years.”
Lampard wants to pay fans back with another title, prioritising it over the Champions League.
“I would like to win the Premier League back,” he said, after picking up BBC London’s player-of-the-year award. “I think the feeling we had when we won was amazing. That is at the top of my list, but the Champions League isn’t far behind.
“This season has started very well for me — I’d go so far to say it’s some of the best football I’ve played. I feel good and hope to continue that.”
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