No rest for top Drog as Blues stay on track

DIDIER DROGBA has been in sensational form this season, but he is determined to continue to improve.

The Ivory Coast striker was exceptional again in Chelsea’s 4-1 demolition of Championship side Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Drogba put the Blues in front with his 23rd goal of the season and laid on the second for Germany captain Michael Ballack as the holders reached the quarter-finals. The Blues were given a scare when Michael Chopra cancelled out Drogba’s opener before the interval, but Chelsea’s class told with second-half goals from Ballack, Daniel Sturridge and substitute Salomon Kalou.

Drogba is currently in the hunt for the ‘Golden Boot’ with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney but, even if he beats his adversary, the striker is already thinking about doing even better next term.

“No matter what I do this season, next year when I return my objective will be to do better than that,” declared Drogba.

“If people say: ‘He has had a fantastic season’, I will try to do better because that’s the way I am.”

Chelsea’s dressing room spirit has been tested on and off the pitch in recent days, by tabloid talk about the private lives of captain John Terry and left-back Ashley Cole and defeat at Everton last Wednesday night, where Cole suffered a broken ankle.

Despite the lurid headlines, Drogba believes the indomitable spirit of his team-mates is the envy of rival teams and inspires individuals to perform.

“We have a lot of strong characters here which is good because we challenge ourselves,” said Drogba.

“Because we are all leaders, we always have to be the best – it is not easy but I think we are doing quite well.

“The togetherness of the team is amazing. No matter what happens we stick together and that’s the real strength of Chelsea.’’

Defeated Cardiff boss Dave Jones wants his side to focus on returning to their promotion chase in the Championship.

The Bluebirds take on West Brom tomorrow night and Jones says the team spirit within the camp at the cash-strapped club could not be better.

“Even when they lose, they have never let me down,” said Jones.

“Now I’ve got to pat them on the head, give them some paracetamol and say right, ‘go again against West Brom on Tuesday’.’’

CHELSEA: Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho, Zhirkov, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Joe Cole (Kalou 46), Drogba (Borini 88), Sturridge (Malouda 78).

CARDIFF: Marshall, McNaughton, Gerrard, Gyepes, Kennedy, Burke (McCormack 78), Rae (Blake 74), Wildig (Taiwo 90), Whittingham, Chopra, Bothroyd.

Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).