Drogba says firepower of Blues better than Catalans

Published on Tuesday 5 May 2009 23:00

DIDIER Drogba insists Chelsea can destroy Barcelona from all areas of the pitch when they meet in their Champions League semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Barcelona's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o have shared more than 90 goals between them this season but the Ivory Coast striker is convinced that Chelsea, as a team, pose a greater attacking threat.

The Blues produced a faultless defensive display to earn a goalless draw in the first leg in the Nou Camp last week, but Drogba insists the emphasis will be on attack as they bid to reach their second successive final.

"I think, in the last few months, we've shown that we can score goals and, okay, they have Messi, Henry, Eto'o, and Andres Iniesta who can also score," he said. "But we've got more players able to score. Our midfielders, our defenders can also score. We can score from every position in our side. We know that. We know that, tomorrow, we have to score goals to win the tie."

Barcelona's players complained that Chelsea were overly physical in the first leg but the Blues were also upset with some of the clear play-acting from the Primera Liga leaders.

Drogba, who has also come under criticism in recent years for his own propensity to hit the ground all too quickly, called for the referee to remain strong.

"We were not upset," declared Drogba. "The English league and the Spanish league are very different in terms of the type of football teams play. The Champions League is great because then you have the chance to meet different types of football and see great games. Everyone enjoyed the game in Camp Nou last week. They complained, sure. But their complaints are coming from frustration because they didn't score.

"I can understand that, but the referee was good for this kind of game. He showed good control. They have tried to put a bit of pressure on the referee for the game tomorrow, but we know it's going to be a game that everyone wants to watch. The game is going to be good and we know the referee will have to be at his best."

Drogba has more reason than most to want to play in another Champions League final after being sent off in the closing stages of extra-time against Manchester United in Moscow.

Chelsea lost out on penalties in dramatic fashion and Drogba is determined go one better this year. "You can see that the desire to get to Rome is strong, especially after losing the final last year," he said.