Thibaut Courtois believes Chelsea legend Didier Drogba would be a “great addition” to Guus Hiddink’s backroom staff as the Premier League champions look to turn around their disappointing season.
Chelsea want to add their former striker Drogba to the club’s coaching team but negotiations have proven difficult, given the 37-year-old remains under contract with MLS side Montreal Impact until December 2016.
The striker sat alongside interim manager Hiddink and club owner Roman Abramovich during the 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Dec. 19, though Hiddink later said it would be down to Chelsea officials to determine whether Drogba can join his coaching staff.
But Blues goalkeeper Courtois says he would welcome Drogba back to West London, and thinks the forward — who won four Premier Leagues, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his two spells at the club — would boost the team as they sit 14th in the table.
“I had a very good relationship with him last year. He was great for the dressing room and our team,” Courtois said. “If he comes back as a coach it will be a great addition to all the team.”
Courtois, 23, says the Blues’ mentality has changed under Hiddink, who is now unbeaten in three games after Sunday’s 3-0 win at Crystal Palace.
The victory leaves Hiddink’s men nine points off sixth-placed West Ham and 13 adrift of Tottenham in fourth, but the performance suggested they may yet be capable of a late surge towards the European spots.
Chelsea host Scunthorpe in the FA Cup third round on Sunday before league games at home to West Brom and Everton, and Courtois insists all is not lost with his team also through to the Champions League last 16.
“Obviously if you win the FA Cup or the Champions League maybe it will still be a positive [season],” he said. “Success is a big word if you play until now not very well except the last three or four games. But still with the FA Cup or maybe the Champions League it could be a positive season if we end up in the top four or top six.
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