Moscow misery drives on Drogba

Chelsea's talismanic striker is not sure whether he is fully fit to start against Bordeaux at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night but he is determined to lead the Blues back to next May's final in Rome.

Drogba came on as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday and is desperate to play a full part against Laurent Blanc's French side and then in Sunday's crunch Premier League game with United.

He said: "The truth is that I still have not digested that defeat [on penalties to United]. Personally, it has been all the harder because I know I had my best Champions League season ever.

"Chelsea generally had such a strong season but what I will remember, above all, is that I got so close to touching that trophy but didn't get to lift it.

"All of this was a big influence on me during the summer.

"I've always admitted that Serie A is a championship which interests me, even though I'm under contract to Chelsea until 2010. However, the most important factor was losing the Champions League Final. That has left me with a feeling that my team mates and I need to pull together again and give everything to win this tournament.

"I'm still at Chelsea because I feel the stimulus of new challenges and I'm determined to win things.

"Last season was my first at Chelsea when the club didn't win a trophy and no way could I leave under those circumstances."

Drogba appreciated what kind of challenge Bordeaux - who finished second in the French League last season - will offer tomorrow yet the 30-year-old still expects Chelsea to win and to come through their group. "The most important thing we face between now and Christmas in the Champions League is winning the group, any other result would be catastrophic," he added.

"I know Bordeaux well and I've followed the way in which they've started their French league campaign.

"We know that they've changed a couple of key players from last season and for any club the second season phenomenon, after rising to the top of your league, is a tough test.

"They've not shone but I'm not worried for them because Laurent Blanc is a top coach and he'll put their errors right."

Drogba is being cautious about his return from knee trouble but is desperate to play 90 minutes tomorrow.

He said: "When I played for the reserves earlier this month I didn't think I'd be ready for this match. My over-riding priority is to play without pain in my knee.

"It's touch and go whether I'm completely ready for the Champions League debut but I'm very close.

"All I'd say is that I don't want to get ahead of myself and do too much too soon. However I'm certain that Chelsea are growing in power and we'll do everything we possibly can to win the Champions League this season".

For the last two seasons, three Premier League clubs have reached the semi-finals but Michael Ballack - another who is in contention to play tomorrow - expects English club to shine again despite strong competition from abroad.

The German, who has been sidelined by a foot injury, said: "I think Inter will be a force in Europe this year and Real Madrid and Barca will be good as well, but I wouldn't be surprised if the English teams dominated again. Liverpool, United, Arsenal and us have the experience in this competition and have shown that they can handle the pressure and perform when it matters."

Ballack is convinced Chelsea have improved from last season and added: "It's great that we managed to keep all our important players. With Deco and (Jose) Bosingwa, we picked up two really strong players. We're a better footballing team now and have more control."