Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has denied Didier Drogba was targeted for his side's 3-0 defeat against Manchester United. The Ivorian striker was axed from the squad which beat Southend 4-1 in their FA Cup third-round replay.
"Didier is not being made a scapegoat," declared Scolari. "The reason he was left out was because it was an option for me. I put this player or that player in the team.
"His reaction was normal. When you sign a contract at a club, you are first or second choice, the coach chooses.
"My job here is to choose 11 players and the job for the players is to play. Finish.
"I am a victim. I lost 3-0 against United. I and the club. No player is more of a victim than me and the club.
"It is difficult for me because both Nicolas and Didier are very good players but I pick the player I believe is better for Chelsea.
"Drogba is training very well. I am happy with my players - all of them."