LONDON - Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has thrown his support behind striker Didier Drogba, claiming the Cote d'Ivoire star is close to rediscovering his deadly goal-scoring touch.

Drogba was one of the Chelsea players whose position was believed to be under threat, but Ancelotti insists the striker is now nearing his best form following a bout of malaria during the opening weeks of the season

"Didier is very close to his best. He played a good game for the team," Ancelotti said after Saturday's 2-0 win over Blackburn at Stamford Bridge. "He didn't score but he played a good second half. He came back to help the midfielders. It was an unselfish match for him.

"Didier is not the quickest player but he is a good player because he has power, he has strength, he has ability, he has skill.

"Last year he scored 40 goals and maybe he didn't have many opportunities in this moment but this is the life of the striker."

Ancelotti believes Chelsea's crucial trip to Bolton Wanderers will determine whether the Blues have finally emerged from their dismal mid-season run.

Ancelotti's side built on a 7-0 FA Cup victory over Ipswich by claiming three points with a comfortable home victory over Blackburn. That marked only Chelsea's second victory in 10 league games.

The worrying run of form has increased the pressure on Ancelotti, although the Italian maintains he has always enjoyed the support of club owner Roman Abramovich.

Ancelotti believes his side is ready to return to the form that made them Premier League champion last season.

But he acknowledges the true test of its recent progress will come when it travels to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium in its next outing on Jan 24.

Ancelotti said: "I think our bad moment is behind. But now we have to test our moment when we play away against Bolton.

"If I have to judge this performance I would say we did OK. We started well and we could have scored in the first half.

"Our play was good, more intensity, more quality. So we have to be happy for this. But we have to check the next game at Bolton because we play away.

"I think the performance against Ipswich was important. We have more confidence now but I am sure we will better in the Premier League."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 01/17/2011 page24)