Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is backing the Blues to maintain
their title challenge without in-form striker Didier Drogba next
month.
Drogba has been in blistering form for the Stamford Bridge
outfit, bagging an impressive 18 goals in the first half of the
season so far.
However, Chelsea will be without the Ivory Coast superstar
for much of next month as he is set to link up with his
international colleagues for the African Cup of Nations.
Anelka acknowledges it will be harder to keep winning with
the 31-year-old marksman, however, he will endeavour to score more
goals during his colleague's absence.
"When Didier was out earlier in the season, and then when we
were hit with the transfer embargo, some people expected us to
falter," he told The Sun.
"But we play as a team and we all want to win the Premier
League and the Champions League - and if anything it helped the
team spirit.
"Obviously it's better when Didier is here but I will do my
very best to score the goals."
Former Bolton striker Anelka has played for numerous clubs
throughout his career without really staying in one place for too
long.
However, he feels settled at Stamford Bridge and says he has
now settled down and enjoys playing alongside strike partner
Drogba.
"When I first came here I said I want to play with Didier
because I knew we'd work together," he continued.
"I play behind him and I am trying my best to give him
assists plus he wants me to score as well.
"I feel more settled now than I've ever been and it shows out
on the pitch."
Meanwhile, Drogba has ruled out leaving the Blues when the
transfer window opens next month. The striker acknowledges there is
nothing he can do to stop the rumours, but insists he is going
nowhere.
"I can promise the fans I am not going to leave the club in
the winter," explained Drogba.
"You will see, in January there will be a lot of rumours that
Drogba is in talks with Inter or Barcelona. I am used to it.
"Only once have I admitted I wanted to leave Chelsea. It was
more than two years ago after Jose Mourinho was sacked."
