Beye admits the theatrics all part of Drogba's game

2:03am Monday 5th May 2008

HABIB Beye knows all about former Marseille team-mate Didier Drogba and the Newcastle United defender is not afraid to admit the Chelsea striker's much-maligned theatrics are all part and parcel of the game.

Beye played alongside the Ivorian at Stade Velodrome before Drogba sealed a £23.8m move to Stamford Bridge in July 2004.

The Chelsea striker has made the headlines for all the right reasons since his switch across the English Channel - but he is constantly under scrutiny for an apparent willingness to go to ground all too frequently.

Fifty goals in 85 Premier League starts speaks for itself and confirms the Ivory Coast forward as one of the world's most feared marksmen.

But while there is no doubting his goalscoring credentials, Drogba has also earned a non-too-welcome reputation.

It is something that Beye acknowledges and as the pair meet at St James' Park this afternoon, the Newcastle right-back pulled no punches when asked about the negative side of Drogba's game.

"He is strong, quick and sometimes people say he is diving. Sometimes it is the game for the strikers to do this. If you play against a strong defender, it is part of the game," said the 30-year-old defender.

Drogba was at the centre of controversy last week when he was accused of diving by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. The Blues striker responded by firing his side into the Champions League final.

"You can't say he does this all the time (diving), but sometimes," added Beye.

And the full-back, who has been a key performer in Newcastle's recent upturn in fortunes revealed that despite struggling in his first season in the Premier League, Drogba remains the same player who almost single-handedly fired Marseille to the UEFA Cup final in 2004.

"He hasn't changed his style but it is different in England because there are some strong defenders and he has to adapt," said Beye.

"When he went to Chelsea he wanted to stay (at Marseille) but with the money Chelsea were offering it was hard for him to say no.

"He is happy at Chelsea. The first year was difficult but now he is happy."

Drogba's antics have made the forward a target from all areas of the game. But asked if the criticism the striker receives is unfair, Beye said: "Yes but look how many goals he has scored - 30? I don't know how many but he is still one of the best in the world."

If Drogba's response to Benitez's comments are anything to go by, Beye can only hope that his old team-mate does not take his remarks too seriously.

"I played against him for Senegal when we played against the Ivory Coast (in the African Cup of Nations)," said Beye. "He played down my side and he did nothing.

"But this is different. I know if I call him and speak about him he could get angry.

"It could then help him play the best game of his life. Maybe in the 95th minute I will kick him. I will step on his feet, especially if it is cold!"

And, while the pair remain good friends, Beye has revealed he will save any pleasantries until after this afternoon's encounter.

"We played together for one year at Marseille and we reached the UEFA Cup final and had good times together," said Beye. "He is a big player, one of the best in the world.

"We can be friends but not during the game. I haven't spoken to him yet. If I call him he will want to joke with me but I don't want to joke with him."

Avram Grant's men need to win this afternoon to stay level on points with Manchester United following their victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

But Beye will be doing the Blues no favours and believes their bid to reclaim the Premier League title will be as good as over at St James' Park.

He said: "For me, United are so strong. Just look at their bench. It is unbelievable. He can play without Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Tevez, Rooney and they still win.

"Chelsea are strong but I can't see United slipping up.

"And, of course, Chelsea will lose at St James' Park. United will win it because we will beat Chelsea."

James Milner is included in Kevin Keegan's squad, while Abdoulaye Faye, Claudio Cacapa and David Edgar are available.

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