Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has urged veteran striker Didier Drogba to forget about coaching and concentrate on his playing career while he is still a “great” player.
Drogba, 36, proved his quality and staying power on the pitch by scoring one goal and making another in the 3-0 midweek win over Tottenham.
And Mourinho, whose side are six points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table, said he hoped the Ivorian did not rush a move into coaching.
Mourinho said: “He’s a still a very good player and if he wants my advice in the future I think he should stop when he wants and feels he should stop.
“We love; we want him. He is a great football player and should stop when he wants.
“After that I know that Mr Abramovich is very happy to keep him in the club in every area where he feels, and we feel, he is useful but that is after his decision to stop.
“I don’t know his qualities as a coach. I never saw him coach,”
Drogba, who deputised for the suspended Diego Costa against Spurs, will be back on the bench for Saturday’s game against Newcastle as Chelsea look to set a club record of 24 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
“I don’t care about records,” said Mourinho, who confirmed 11-goal striker Costa will return.
“I am not looking for records. I am looking for victories and points and, if possible at the end of the season – titles.
“We just want to win the next match. The only thing that matters to me is that I won the title twice.
“The record I want to win is the Premier League title three times with the club.”
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