Drogba: Tensions won't distract players

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has admitted there are "tensions" at the club but insists that the playing squad are sticking together and concentrating on their football.

There have been suggestions that manager Jose Mourinho enjoys a turbulent relationship with his Stamford Bridge employers and the poor form of Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko has also been a cause of much speculation.

He told the Daily Express: "There are tensions, we cannot prevent them. That's football, it is not easy to live with. But the players are sticking together. That is the most important thing."

"Are we in crisis? In the league we are six points behind Manchester United and still on course for the title," Drogba added.

"We've qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and for the final of the league cup and we are still on course for the FA Cup. Clearly it's a very difficult period."

Drogba also offered his full support for Mourinho.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said: "How could I not be behind someone who always supported me, who has helped me win trophies and put Chelsea at the top of English football. There were good players at Chelsea before his arrival but he brought a culture of winning."

Meanwhile, Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out managing in the Premiership one day, and described the Chelsea job as "fantastic".

The San Siro chief, whose side are on course to win Serie A this year, has yet to sign a new deal with the Italian giants.

He told The Sun: "I'd really love to manage a Premiership side one day. Chelsea? It would be fantastic. Nothing has been decided about the contract but this is not a formality."