DIESEL: Drogba Solicits More Time

Didier Drogba has pleaded with Chelsea for patience, assuring he would get his goal knack back in no time.

The Ivorian, 36, started for the first time since returning to Stamford Bridge this summer in last night’s 1-1 draw at home to German club Schalke. However, his performance after 73 minutes on the pitch arguably fell short of his trademark clinical form of his best days.

“For a first game they were okay, kind of okay,” Drogba told Chelsea TV.

“The good thing is no pain in the ankle, so now I can start working and training and improve the condition. I was feeling much better in the second half.”

Drogba twice failed to finish off some decent move in the visitors’ goal area, notably in the second-half. He missed a cross from Willian few minutes into the half, and then dragged his shot inches across goal from an Eden Hazard lofted delivery.

The team paid dearly for his latter miscue moments later as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar equalised Cesc Fabregas’ first-half opener to force points off the hosts.

Drogba added: “I’m like a diesel, I need time. I had (chances), especially the one in the second half. It was a clear chance and I think it’s unlucky. If I score there there’s no more game. The fact that you don’t score, they still believe in the equaliser and that’s what happened afterwards.”

Meanwhile, manager Jose Mourinho was contented with Drogba’s contribution in the Uefa Champions League group opener.

“He had a positive game, I’m happy with what he did,” the Portuguese boss said. “If he scored that chance we would be talking about a 2-0 win, not a 1-1 draw, and him scoring at the end of a fantastic move.”