Didier Drogba has admitted that it would be disastrous if Chelsea missed out on fourth place in the English Premier League this season.
The Blues currently sit fifth, behind Arsenal on goal difference, but they are 10 points adrift of third-placed Tottenham, making the final Champions League spot all the more important.
Manchester City and Manchester United have had to settle for a place in the Europa League after disappointing Champions League campaigns, and Drogba seems keen to avoid a similar situation at Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old told The Sun: “If we don’t make the top four it would be a disaster.”
“Every time we’ve started a season since I’ve been with Chelsea we never even finished as low as fourth.”
“When I joined Chelsea the club was second and I helped them to be first. It is the hardest season I’ve known since I’ve been here.”
“The players and fans are used to being in the first two or three but this is different.”
The Ivorian conceded that the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas may have had an effect on the team as they struggle to adapt to the Portuguese coach’s style, but the powerful forward has challenged his team-mates to prevail and insisted they are fully behind the under-fire boss.
“We are having a difficult season and it’s not always easy when you change manager and there are new players to fit in the team. I know that because I’ve had six managers in my time at Chelsea,” Drogba said.
“For me the manager’s age is not an issue, you have to respect his position and his authority.”
“He came with his philosophy which is playing a bit more football than the other managers. That’s how he succeeded in Porto so he wanted to do the same at Chelsea.”
“You know how it is when you come with a lot of ambition and it doesn’t go the way you want, it’s difficult. It’s not easy for him but he’s not the only one who is responsible, we all are.”
“In football everyone blames the manager first which is difficult for him because he is on the sidelines when we are playing but I guess that’s football.”
“It’s difficult because we are trying to change the way we play and to adapt to his philosophy so that’s maybe why it’s taking time and we are struggling to be in the top two.”
“But I don’t think it’s about the style the manager wants to bring to the team, it’s about winning games.”
