“You learn the most in defeat” – When Drogba gave classy response to Barcelona fan asking if Chelsea were robbed in famous game
Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba once gave an interesting response when asked about the Blues' controversial Champions League clash against Barcelona. The game in question was played in 2009 when the two sides faced off in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, where poor officiating cost the Blues a spot in the final.
Drogba was invited as a guest to the 2022 Global Youth Tourism Summit, and while answering a question from a young delegate, who was a Barcelona fan, he said (via the Gil Media YouTube channel):
“You have to understand one thing, when you play football you are really excited and you want to win. Sometimes, things will not go your way. It’s not only when you win that you learn, you learn the most in defeat.
“For us it was very difficult because we played really great football for the past 3 or 4 months with our new coach Guus Hiddink. It was an amazing momentum and to lose this way because we knew that this Barcelona team that everyone was praising, was ‘unplayable’, we were the only team who caused them really, really big problems every time we played against them.
“So we went there with no fear and to see the way the game was going, it’s more a frustration than something else but you cannot rewrite history. If they won it, it’s the way it was supposed to happen.”
Drogba famously remarked after the game that the refereeing was "a f*****g disgrace" as Barcelona advanced to the final after a 1-1 draw in the second leg, winning the tie on away goals.
Chelsea had close to four penalty shouts waved off on the night by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo. A late strike from Andres Iniesta equaled the scores on the night, securing the Blaugrana's qualification.
Barcelona eyeing Chelsea star in swap deal after Blues show interest in Blaugrana academy youngster - Reports
Barcelona have approached Chelsea over the possibility of a swap move involving young defenders Ian Maatsen and Pau Cubarsi. According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Blaugrana are willing to let go of the highly-rated youngster to sign the Dutchman.
Maatsen spent the previous campaign on loan at Burnley, impressing as the Clarets won the Championship. This season, however, he has failed to play much under manager Mauricio Pochettino, featuring just 83 minutes in the Premier League for the Blues.
Barcelona were interested in signing Maatsen on a free next season after reports that he rejected contract offers from Chelsea. However, the Evening Standard reported that the Blues have secretly triggered a one-year extension.
Cubarsi is a highly-touted prospect who is impressing Xavi in training sessions, according to Sport. He has a release clause of close to €15 million, meaning the Catalan side may have to pay close to €20 million plus Cubarsi for Maatsen.