Scolari Wants Drogba & Anelka: Will It Work?
“Drogba is important but don’t forget we are second in the Champions League group and second in the Barclays Premier League because our top scorer is Nicolas Anelka," said Scolari. "Drogba is one of the best in the world but I need to think about Anelka. He is as important as Drogba.”
Now of course Scolari knows that on his day Drogba is one of the world’s best strikers and he knows he needs to make comments like that because Drogba needs to feel valued. What Scolari also knows though, is that Nicolas Anelka has exactly the same needs.
You see, Nicolas Anelka has been a different player for Chelsea this season and he’s done that because of the investment Scolari has made in him. I think Scolari’s made that investment because he knows how to manage ego’s – and let’s face it, when it comes to our two front men, that’s what it’s all about.
On the one hand we have Didier Drogba, who’s petulance and tantrums are well documented. Scolari clearly knew that when he took over that he’d have his work cut out when it came to handling him. Why else have all Drogba’s spells out been handled with such delicacy?
When others recovering from injury are back out on the field way before they look fit to play, why is it that Didier Drogba seems to have got himself a gentle phased-return to work? Because Scolari knows he needs to feel ‘special’ of course.
And yet, whilst on the one hand Scolari has to massage Drogba’s ego, he’s clearly aware he has to make sure this doesn’t push Anelka back into Le Sulk mode at the same time.
And he’s absolutely right to do so because whilst Drogba’s impact is evident in games like Tuesday’s against CFR Cluj, the fact is, Drogba needs to be in the mood to make that impact.
And whilst a combination of ambivalence and injury has kept the Ivorian on the sidelines for much of the season so far, it’s Nicolas Anelka is who Scolari’s had to rely on.
And to be fair, the Scolari/Anelka relationship has been a vital one in Drogba’s absence. With Kalou nowhere near capable of filling the role in Drogba’s absence, Scolari knew he had to make the best of what he had available.
So, he’s made sure he’s applauded Anelka at every opportunity and acknowledged his contributions to Chelsea's season, even in the wake of Drogba’s winner the other night was quite right.
You see, firstly, as much as Drogba needs to feel appreciated – and Scolari made sure he bigged him up a bit too – it’s no good boosting his ego to such a point that he thinks he doesn’t need to impress anymore.
Bearing in mind that Chelsea has relied on Anelka so far this season, and could end up going to him again if Drogba’s knee continues to be problematic, then Scolari knows there’s no point making him feel second best.
Scolari quite rightly picks up on this point.
“I have more options now he (Drogba) is fit," said Scolari. "But he didn’t have a pre-season build-up because of injury and when he came back he got injured again. Then he was suspended and now he is back again.”
So, rather than putting either striker’s nose out, Scolari suggests “After this, it is my job to put the two together.”
But will it work?
