Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has claimed that the current Chelsea side in 2023 is not recognizable to the club he used to play for.
The Ivorian is one of the club's most legendary players and was part of the Chelsea sides that won 12 major honors between the years 2004 and 2012.
Chelsea, under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, became the most successful English side in the modern era, winning every trophy on offer
However, due to the ongoing Ukraine and Russia war, Abramovich was forced to sell the club in January of last year due to alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital completed a £4.25bn club takeover months later.
Since 2022, Chelsea has spent £600m on transfers, and their 17 signings in the past two transfer windows have completely revamped the squad. However, the sacking of Thomas Tuchel, the appointment of Graham Potter, the sacking of Potter, and the recent hiring of Frank Lampard has left Chelsea in an uncoordinated footballing mess.
"I no longer recognise my club." ❌🔵
A strong view from Didier Drogba on his former team Chelsea pic.twitter.com/Ltayx6SqkX— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 19, 2023
The west London club has been knocked out of every competition this year, and just last night were dumped out of the Champions League to holders Real Madrid, who won 4-0 on aggregate over the two legs. Chelsea is also currently in 11th place in the Premier League table.
Speaking to French outlet Canal+, Drogba said, "It is not the same club anymore. I don't recognize my club. There is a new owner and a new vision."
"A dressing room with 30 players is difficult to manage for the coach, whoever he is," added Drogba.
"We try to compare with what was done under the Abramovich era, where there were many acquisitions of players, but the choices were very intelligent. Bringing in players like Petr Cech, Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, and others.
"It was to win titles, and they are players who already have some experience. Here, the strategy is different, and they bet on young players. I think they certainly lack charismatic players and leaders. It needs players who take responsibility."
Lampard was asked about his former teammate's comments after the loss to Madrid and bluntly replied, "They're Didier's comments, sorry." Chelsea's next game will be against Brentford at Stamford Bridge on April 26.
