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Ivory Coast coach drops Didier Drogba, wants striker 'to get back to his best'

By: Robbie Corey-Boulet, The Associated Press

Posted: 03/20/2013 11:57 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 03/20/2013 12:40 PM

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast - Didier Drogba was dropped for Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifier against Gambia because he "needs to work hard to get back to his best," coach Sabri Lamouchi said Wednesday.

Drogba, who turned 35 this month, will not play in the Ivorians' first game since a disappointing quarterfinal exit for the favourites at the recent African Cup of Nations, which was seen as the striker's last chance at a major trophy with his country.

Lamouchi told The Associated Press that he didn't pick Drogba for Saturday's game because of concerns over the Galatasaray striker's fitness and form after his moves from Chelsea to China and then to Turkey. The Ivorian team also needed a change of mindset after a string of failures in Africa despite being the continent's top-ranked team, the French coach said.

Drogba would have a place when he returned to form, Lamouchi said, but the striker is undoubtedly reaching the end of his time with his national team.

"Didier Drogba needs to work hard to get back to his best," Lamouchi said. "He needs to work to become the Drogba you knew before. That's why he's not among those I called for the match against Gambia."

Ivory Coast leads its World Cup qualifying group but also has to start planning for Drogba's retirement. Lamouchi picked four home-based players in his squad for the Gambia qualifier while leaving Drogba out.

The Ivorians — blessed with talent like Drogba, Toure brothers Yaya and Kolo and forward Gervinho — lost to eventual champion Nigeria at the African Cup in South Africa to continue a depressing run at the tournament.

They have lost in two finals, a semifinal and two quarterfinals in the last five tournaments and have failed to add to a lone title in 1992.

"With this team I want more than respect, I want titles," said Lamouchi, whose own place as coach came in doubt after the loss to Nigeria in South Africa.

Lamouchi said the four home players were a "strong signal" that the team was now open to local talent — although three of the four are backup goalkeepers and may not see playing time.

"They only have to work hard to have the opportunity to play on the national team," the coach said.

Ivory Coast is currently unbeaten in African World Cup qualifying Group C and is the heavy favourite against Gambia, which is bottom of the group.

Five African teams will qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil, which may be an international farewell for Drogba, who will be nearly 37 when the next African Cup comes round.

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