Drogba feels benefit of tour no show

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Drogba has been one of the main beneficiaries of Guus Hiddink's arrival as replacement for Luiz Felipe Scolari. From seemingly being on the fast track out of Stamford Bridge, the Ivorian is once again one of the Blues' most influential players.

And, while Hiddink's influence cannot be underestimated, Drogba also revealed the move to stay at home rather than head to Asia and then on to Russia ahead of the current campaign has been a key factor, saying; "I feel stronger now. I am really happy that in July I took the right decision not to go to pre-season because I needed to rest."

He added: "I needed to work on my knee to come back strong.

"That was the sacrifice I made at the beginning of the season and it's paying dividends now."

Both Drogba and Nicolas Anelka were in Hiddink's starting line-up on Sunday. Under Scolari, it seemed only one would play, that man usually being Anelka.

Drogba does not look back on that period with a sense of fondness. But neither does he deny Anelka was worthy of his place in the team.

"Everybody is talking about the change of the manager but really it is quite simple," he said.

"I wasn't playing, so I couldn't score goals.

"But it wasn't only the selection of the team, I wasn't fit enough either. Nicolas Anelka was performing very well at that time. I just had to keep patient and work hard so I was ready when I got the chance."