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Montreal Impact: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Oct 23, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) knocks the ball away from New England Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen (24) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman (23) knocks the ball away from New England Revolution midfielder Lee Nguyen (24) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba (11) plays teh ball during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba (11) plays teh ball during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at Stade Saputo. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Hope #1: That the Drogba drama is actually resolved.

There is no greater hope for Montreal Impact supporters than that the Didier Drogba drama is over with. In short: Drogba did not start two weeks ago against Toronto FC and was used as a late substitute three weeks ago in the Impact’s 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. The Toronto decision was the straw that broke the camel’s back for Drogba, who asked Impact coach Mauro Biello not to include him in the eighteen man roster for Toronto.

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The Impact claim that the situation is resolved but given that Drogba hasn’t spoken on the matter one has to wonder if this was just a patchwork resolution. Despite his prolific goal-scoring in the short time that he has been with the Impact (he has scored 20 goals in a season and a half) there have been more than a few issues with the Ivorian international. Considering that he very nearly left the squad last January for a return to Europe and missed the early part of the season it has not been a smooth relationship.

With Drogba it is a simple matter of keeping the drama off of the pitch. When he does play he does seem as if his heart is in it and does seem to generally enjoy playing in Montreal. The injuries have added up this season (he is currently dealing with a back issue and is unlikely to start against United) and of course there is the no playing on turf policy.

His lack of defending also poses a problem for the Impact. But he has been effective in creating goal-scoring opportunities this season. So if he can contribute and he and Biello can get along for a common good then he should be used.

It is a complicated mess with Drogba and perhaps it would be easier for the Impact to just cut their ties now. But since he does seem to be interested to see this out the Impact would be wise to use him.

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