Jose defends Droga

Last updated : 27 March 2006 By Paul Lagan
Jose Mourinho has defended Didier Drogba over his actions and the charge that he cheated in saturday's 2-0 against Manchester City.

Drogba, cited for numerous dives in recent matches fell to the ground on a couple of occasions.

It's the second of these, when he was hit in the eye by Richard Dunne late in the game that Mourinho selectivly talked about: "Sometimes he is a player who doesn't get what he deserves, Drogba is a fighter.

"It was a big thing, it was a very strong finger in the eye which was completely full of blood.

"Of course he is not blind but it was something serious. The referee saw it as an accident and I accept that.

"I am happy with Drogba. Players are not just about the skilful and beautiful ones who play for the stands.

"It's important to have players who fight for the team, work for the team, attack and defend.

"He's the kind of player I would say 'with you I could go to every war.' He is a very important player to us."

As I said, Jose was somewhat selective in his choice of incident.

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