Liverpool - Chelsea Buildup: Reina Calls Drogba A Pain In The Butt

Reina has labeled Drogba as a “pain in the ass” - though it was meant in the nicest way possible!...

Apr 8, 2009 7:53:05 AM

Champions League: Chelsea - Liverpool, Drogba, Skrtel (PA)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Champions League: Chelsea - Liverpool, Drogba, Skrtel (PA)

Teams

The temperature is rising ahead of yet another European clash between Chelsea and Liverpool at Anfield tonight, and Reds keeper Pepe Reina has admitted his concern that Didier Drogba will again be the one that ends up giving them a cold shower.

It would have been safe to assume that nobody at Liverpool would have been glad to learn that the Ivorian scoring ace has managed to shake off an ankle injury to be available just in time for the heavyweight clash, considering it was his brace that was largely responsible for knocking Liverpool out of the semi-finals of the same competition a year ago.

Speaking ahead of tonight's showdown, Reina told ESPN just what he thinks of the prospect of coming up against Chelsea's biggest scoring threat again.

“To be honest, he’s one of my favourite players and when people ask me about the most dangerous striker or a real pain in the ass, I always say Drogba," revealed the Spanish keeper.

“I think in a way he’s becoming stronger and stronger. He’s been having some injury problems in the last months but now he’s scoring goals again.

“He’s scored five in the last seven games and, whoever plays up front, him or Nicolas Anelka, it will be difficult to stop them.”

Liverpool have a couple of aces of their own up their sleeves, not least of which is Fernando Torres, who Reina suggested could even be a cut above Drogba.

“He’s magic, one of our key players," boomed the Spanish keeper over his compatriot. "Obviously he’s one of the best strikers, if not the best — in the world.”

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!