20101008
africanews

The coach of Ivory Coast Francous Zahoui said leaving out Chelsea talisman Didier Drogba in his squad against Burundi does not mean he has a problem with him.

The local gaffer said the Elephants’ captain was left out so he could regain his match fitness after picking up an injury earlier in the season.

The tactician told the Daily Nation of Kenya that Drogba remains a pivotal member of the squad, but he did not find it important to call him up for the upcoming qualifier against Burundi.

"He is just coming back from injury, he had a long season and then got an injury during the World Cup and he is just picking up.

"He needs some time to also take a rest from the national team, but as we move on we will definitely call him up," he said.

"There have been reports that I am not on good terms with Drogba, but it's a decision I made to leave him out because at the same time we have players who can deputise for him, but we are on very good terms with him and he remains one of our great players."

The coach also said by leaving Drogba and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure out of the Burundi bound squad, it does not mean he is taking their weekend opponents as lightweights.

"There are no small teams in African football anymore. We do respect Burundi just like any other team and that is why we are taking our preparations for the game very seriously. We want to go there and win but we know Burundi are also preparing hard for us."

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure said their training in Kenya has brought the squad together ahead of their weekend assignment and that the team has been impressed by the reception they have so far received from Kenyans.

"We are able to train away from the home pressure and we also love the weather here," he said. "Kenyans are very welcoming. It's a place I would love to visit again.”