Didier Drogba: New Chelsea ownership has 'lost principles and values'
By Henry Burt
Legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has criticised the club's new ownership, claiming the west London outfit have 'lacked class' since their change in management.
American businessman Todd Boehly purchased the Blues this summer after previous owner Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the club in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Boehly has made a major splash since arriving at Stamford Bridge, spending over £250m on transfers in the summer and making headlines when he sacked popular manager Thomas Tuchel in September.
Despite some turbulence and controversy, Chelsea have shown an improvement in form since the appointment of new manager Graham Potter and look set to challenge for the top four once again this season.
But Drogba has criticised Boehly's decision to replace numerous longstanding members of staff, including club director Marina Granovskaia.
Speaking to Canal Plus, Drogba said: “I knew this club with a certain class during the Abramovich era, but today I find it lacking.
“It’s very hard for me to see how they got rid of certain people, for example the physiotherapists, who were there for a very long time.
“They should go back to the principles and values they had.”
Backing up Drogba's comments was former Chelsea and Germany midfielder Michael Ballack, who described the decision to sack Tuchel just over a year after winning the Champions League as 'incomprehensible'.
Ballack told Bild: “I was surprised by the sacking. For me it was incomprehensible when a coach is dismissed so quickly.
“Especially because Tuchel had such a great success like winning the Champions League.
“We have to see if it works in the long term. I believe that you have to approach such a successful and big club carefully.
“Chelsea doesn’t need any upheaval. Boehly is doing it differently now with his elbow mentality.”
Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign with an away trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, knowing only a win will keep them within touching distance of Spurs, Manchester City and Arsenal.