Hiddink hails 'amazing' Drogba
Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has heaped praise on striker Didier Drogba
Also In The News
|
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out again at Rafael Benitez, branding the Liverpool boss 'arrogant' and "beyond the pale". |  |
Saturday, 18, Apr 2009 09:33
Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has hailed the work ethic of his striker Didier Drogba as "amazing".
After Florent Malouda had cancelled out Theo Walcott's goal for Arsenal, the Ivorian striker's late winner saw off Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley today and booked Chelsea's place in the FA Cup final on May 30th.
And interim boss Guus Hiddink, who could be replaced by current AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, highlighted his domineering centre-forward as the driving force behind his team's form.
"It's amazing every week, every game, he is delivering very much," said Hiddink, who is also manager of the Russian international team.
"The team is delivering, not just Drogba, but Drogba is the end regarding the production," he continued. "You cannot always value a striker on his goals because he can do a lot for the team, not always scoring but very determined and very decisive."
Drogba had been linked with a departure to Inter Milan after former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho left to coach the Italian team.
Luiz Felipe Scolari also preferred Nicolas Anelka upfront when in charge of Chelsea earlier this season.
Hiddink indicated the secrets behind Drogba's return to form since he took the managerial hot seat at Stamford Bridge.
"You can do something in the way we practice and want to play," the Dutchman said. "You can sometimes practice with players, talk with them what their main job is."
He added: "When they [players] sign in a big club they know there is competition. You have to make your commitment and contribution. He has been in a position where he was not playing frequently, so it is logical you do not smile every day."
In the FA Cup final Chelsea will face the victors of tomorrow's second semi-final at Wembley between Manchester United and Everton.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Hiddink could also clash in the final of this season's Uefa Champions League, which would be a repeat of last year's finale in Moscow which United won via a dramatic penalty shootout.