Ivory Coast coach Henri Michel has taken a swipe at Chelsea striker Didier Drogba for their early World Cup exit.
"It's clear Drogba was not at full capacity, not physically and not psychologically," he said. "He didn't reach his full potential here at the World Cup."
Michel said he did not mean to criticise Drogba as a player, but only point out that the Chelsea striker had struggled in the world's most high-profile football tournament - just as other star players have in the past.
"It's clear Drogba is very disappointed. There was a possibility for him to show his capabilities to the world," Michel said, noting that Michel Platini also struggled for France at times in the World Cup.
"Other great players have had the same issues at the World Cup," he said, adding that Drogba is a good captain and a good person. He will stay with the squad despite the suspension "because he's important for the team".
"It's clear Drogba was not at full capacity, not physically and not psychologically," he said. "He didn't reach his full potential here at the World Cup."
Michel said he did not mean to criticise Drogba as a player, but only point out that the Chelsea striker had struggled in the world's most high-profile football tournament - just as other star players have in the past.
"It's clear Drogba is very disappointed. There was a possibility for him to show his capabilities to the world," Michel said, noting that Michel Platini also struggled for France at times in the World Cup.
"Other great players have had the same issues at the World Cup," he said, adding that Drogba is a good captain and a good person. He will stay with the squad despite the suspension "because he's important for the team".
