That's what Frank Lampard is telling unsettled Chelsea teammate Drogba
That's what Frank Lampard is telling unsettled Chelsea teammate DrogbaChelsea midfielder Frank Lampard wants Ivorian striker Didier Drogba to stay and fight for his place in the side after a troubled midweek.
It is yet uncertain that manager Luiz Felipe Scolari will bring Drogba back in from the cold for today's visit of Stoke in the English Premier League.
Drogba's future at Stamford Bridge was at the centre of more speculation after Scolari axed him from the squad that went on to beat Southend 4-1 in their FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night.
Assistant first-team coach Ray Wilkins insisted Drogba is still a 'valuable member' of the set-up and England midfielder Lampard hopes Drogba will react in a positive way.
One of the best"Hopefully he will remain a massive part of this club because he's definitely one of, if not the best, strikers in the world," declared Lampard.
"Didier is a very big personality and player at this club and he will take it in the right way, I'm sure.
"It's the manager's prerogative to leave players out. Every manager I've played under, and I've played under some top managers, has the right to drop someone, put them on the bench, rest them, whatever."
The Brazilian coach stung his squad with a scathing assessment of both their form and trophy-winning capabilities on the eve of the Southend cup-tie.
But far from alienating his players, Scolari's outburst appears to have galvanised a side supposedly at odds with him.
"Any time at any club there will be some players at the top of their game and some that aren't," said Lampard.
"The manager didn't pick on anyone individually. The manager was just explaining how it's been.
"We're not here to pick out certain individuals, we've all had our patches where we've not played at our best.
"If you want to cry about the manager saying you're playing below par - you have to look at yourself first. That is what every player has to do and is doing. The response was fantastic."
Chelsea must now start to improve theiru00a0 Premier League form if they are to remain in the hunt for the title and they have the perfect opportunity today against lowly Stoke City.
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Chelsea vs Stoke City, LIVE on Star Sports, 20:25 Hull City vs Arsenal, LIVE on Star Sports, 22:55 Bolton vs Manchester United, LIVE on ESPN, 20:25
