Drogba dismisses Chelsea 'striker conundrum'
Drogba and Anelka are yet to prove themselves as strike partnership.
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Monday, 29, Dec 2008 10:36
Didier Drogba has dismissed concerns that he cannot play upfront for Chelsea alongside Nicolas Anelka.
The Chelsea forward told France Football that he questions those who believe the two strikers are an incompatible partnership.
"I have always said that I was happy that Nicolas came to Chelsea. But I still don't understand why coaches are scared to play us together," the Ivory Coast international said.
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has so far been hesitant to switch to a 4-4-2 system to accommodate Anelka and Drogba as strike partners.
The Frenchman has shone amid injury and disciplinary problems Drogba has endured early this season, scoring 14 goals.
Anelka is currently the Premier League's top scorer, ahead of Manchester City's Robinho on 11 and Wigan's Egyptian find Zaki, on 10.
Drogba told the news provider: "At the moment there is a man who is scoring and who is piling up goals. I only have to wait my turn."
On his future, Drogba added: "I could plant myself here, but I have the impression that in 2009, good things will happen for me.
"Without doubt there will also be surprises."
After being linked with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan in the summer and his red card in last season's Champions League final against English club rivals Manchester United, Drogba also admitted that his passion for football waned for the first time in his career.
"This summer, I didn't have a head for football any more. I had completely lost my fire. I didn't want to hear talk of objectives or ambition any more. I felt completely extinguished," he said.
Anelka came on as a first half substitute to partner Drogba upfront as Chelsea let a 2-1 lead slip against Fulham on Saturday.
Clint Dempsey scored an injury time equaliser for the hosts after a Frank Lampard double had put the visitors in front.