Mikel Obi talks about Didier Drogba and his mindset for big matches.
According to Mikel, the Ivorian forward, renowned for his remarkable achievements and powerful play, had a unique approach to big and small games during his tenure with the London club.
Drogba's Love for the Limelight
Mikel, speaking on the ObiOne Podcast, shared insights into Drogba’s mindset, especially when it came to high-profile matches. “Drogba loves the big games; he was a guy who enjoyed it,” Mikel revealed.
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This statement underlines Drogba's reputation for thriving under pressure and his preference for the most challenging and significant fixtures.
Performance in High-Stakes Games
Mikel went on to describe Drogba's attitude towards less prominent games, saying, “When it was the little games, like when you’re playing the FA Cup or playing against small clubs like Stoke or other small clubs, Drogba never wanted to play those games.”
This contrast in approach highlights Drogba's focus on games where stakes were highest, like Champions League nights and clashes with top clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool.
Mikel further elaborated on Drogba’s preparation for these big matches: “From that week, on a Monday leading up to the weekend on Saturday, you can see his mood, you can feel that he’s engaged. He wants those games; he wants the challenge because he knows that the manager will turn on him because the manager will say that he will win the game for us.”
Interestingly, Mikel also commented on Drogba's personality, stating, “He loves a little bit of attention; Didier behaves like a woman. You pamper him, give him a lot of attention, and he produces. But he was always there for us in the big games.” This quote sheds light on the unique character traits that made Drogba not just a great player, but also a memorable teammate.
Throughout his career at Chelsea, Drogba made a significant impact, with 254 appearances, scoring 104 goals and providing 64 assists. His contribution was pivotal in Chelsea's success, helping the club win numerous titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and notably the Champions League in his final season.
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