• Premier League

Drogba not happy with bench role at Chelsea

ESPN staff
March 24, 2012
Didier Drogba was not happy about being left on the bench © PA Photos
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Roberto Di Matteo has admitted Didier Drogba was not happy about being left on the bench for Chelsea's loss to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Chelsea tasted defeat for the first time under Di Matteo as City fought back from a goal down to extend their perfect home record in the league at Eastlands to 15 with a 2-1 win.

Di Matteo elected to start up front with Fernando Torres, who seemingly got the nod following his impressive display in the FA Cup win over Leicester, leaving Drogba on the bench.

Chelsea were a goal to the good when Torres was replaced, following a strong shift, with Drogba. The Ivorian did not produce one of his more imposing displays in the final 25 minutes and Di Matteo has admitted the forward was not best pleased about being left on the bench.

"I did speak to Didier and many other players. He was not happy, but okay," Di Matteo said.

Di Matteo sends his side into battle against Tottenham on Saturday looking to close in on fourth place and he is happy with his options. He said: "I am in a good position to select from almost a full squad."

Gareth Bale is a big player for Spurs and Di Matteo is likely to offer help to whoever he selects at right back in a bid to combat the threat of the Welshman.

He said: "It will need a team ethic to stop Bale, he is a terrific player, a strong player. It will not be a one-v-one situation."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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