Ballack - Drogba is key

German international backs team-mate to make a difference

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 10th December 2008

Ballack - Drogba is key

Ballack: Acknowledges Drogba influence

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack believes that the return of Didier Drogba can give the Blues an extra dimension in their fight for silverware.

Drogba has endured a stop-start season with injury and suspension limiting the striker to a bit-part role so far.

A return to full fitness saw manager Luiz Felipe Scolari hand the 30-year-old a start in the Carling Cup clash with Burnley only for Drogba to pick up another suspension for throwing a coin at the visiting fans.

Since his return the Ivory Coast front man has had to bide his time in his search for regular first-team action with team-mate Nicolas Anelka in sparkling form, claiming 15 goals this season.

Drogba responded in the right manner by scoring the winner after coming off the bench in the Blues' UEFA Champions League match against CFR Cluj.

The goal ensured Chelsea's safe passage through to the last 16 of the competition and Ballack insists the 30-year-old's return will give the side a timely boost.

Positive

He said: "It's a big, big quality back, because you see, especially at home, that teams are very defensive against us and close up the middle.

"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's suspension has coincided with a sticky patch for the Blues but they still sit just one 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," explains the German international.

Focus

"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."

After qualifying in second place in their Champions League group behind Italian side Roma, Ballack knows Chelsea will have to improve if they are to go one better than last season and lift the trophy.

He added: "If you want to get to the final you have to improve your game. Everyone knows this and we know this.

"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. The team is good we have some injuries at the moment, and it is not that we are dominant like in the past at home.

"But I don't worry. It happens sometimes during a season, we are still in the next round of the Champions League and have a gap until February and can focus on the Premier League, where we are still in a good position.

"We have players coming back and we will have more strength in the team."