Despite Chelsea’s impressive triumph over Benfica, behind-the-scenes tension has emerged involving club legend Didier Drogba.
The former striker, who remains an influential figure at Stamford Bridge, has reportedly urged new manager Enzo Maresca to drop one of his current first-team players—despite the team’s positive result.
According to close sources, Drogba was far from impressed by the performance of the unnamed player.
In a private exchange with Maresca following the match, the Ivorian icon is believed to have expressed strong disapproval, reportedly stating, “Despite the win, his performance was unacceptable — bench him.”
While the team overall celebrated a successful outing, Drogba’s remarks have sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
The player in question reportedly received a 4 out of 10 rating for his individual performance—an assessment that, while below par, is not typically seen as disastrous.
Nevertheless, at a club like Chelsea, where the expectations are consistently high, even an average showing can draw harsh criticism.
Drogba, known for his high standards and no-nonsense attitude during his playing days, appears unwilling to compromise on performance—even in victory.
Drogba is not just another former player; he is considered one of Chelsea’s greatest-ever strikers. With multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph to his name, he carries immense respect and influence.
His opinion holds weight, especially when it comes to matters of passion, performance, and what it means to represent the club at the highest level.
It’s not the first time the legendary forward has voiced strong opinions about the current state of the team, but this direct critique has certainly made waves.
Enzo Maresca, who only recently took over the managerial reins, now faces a delicate challenge.
Still in the early stages of establishing his tactics and shaping the squad, he must now navigate the expectations of Chelsea’s passionate fan base, the legacy of club legends, and the dynamics within the dressing room.
Balancing Drogba’s influence with his own coaching principles will be key to maintaining authority and unity within the team.
The revelation has left fans split. Some believe Drogba was justified and view his comments as a necessary call for higher standards.
Others, however, feel his timing was off and that such criticisms should remain internal, especially after a positive team performance. Social media reactions reflect this divide, with some fans defending the player, while others demand changes.
Speculation is now rife regarding the identity of the underperforming player. While no names have been officially confirmed, the spotlight is on several players whose displays against Benfica failed to impress.
Whether Maresca chooses to heed Drogba’s advice and bench the individual in question remains a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.
Regardless, this incident underscores the immense pressure the new manager is already under, navigating not just results on the pitch, but the legacy of Chelsea icons as well.
