Riseth determined to stop Drogba

Defender Vidar Riseth says Rosenborg BK "have a plan" to stop Didier Drogba as the Norwegian side battle Chelsea FC for top spot in Group B.

Flying high
Having earned a surprise 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 1 – a result that prompted José Mourinho's departure as Chelsea manager – Rosenborg have gone second in the section with back-to-back wins against Valencia CF in their last two UEFA Champions League outings. Riseth and company could now take pole position at Chelsea's expense, provided they find a way of neutralising Drogba's forward power.

Drogba menace
The Rosenborg No10 is adamant that the striker, who missed the teams' London meeting, will not be given free rein in Trondheim on Wednesday. "Didier Drogba is a fantastic player and his presence will be a tough test for us, but we have a plan to stop him," Riseth said. "However, I don't intend to share that plan before the game."

'Strong as bulls'
The 35-year-old has even been practising his man-marking skills in anticipation of Drogba, having trained with John Carew on international duty with Norway. "I spent last week with the national team and had many duels with John Carew on the training ground," he said. "He's the same kind of player as Drogba. They are both strong as bulls and you have to be smart to keep them out."

British grit
Having played for Celtic FC between 1998 and 2000, Riseth also knows all about the fighting spirit of British sides. "We know Chelsea will fight for every ball, and you can never complain about a British side's team spirit and ability to work hard," he said. "But we will work hard as well and hopefully it will get us the three points."

Surprise contenders
If Group B provided a daunting prospect for Rosenborg – containing Chelsea, Valencia and FC Schalke 04 – Rosenborg have risen to the challenge. And despite enduring a change of coach after Matchday 3, with Trond Henriksen replacing Knut Tørum, they have a good chance of reaching the last 16. With a point separating them from Chelsea, a home victory on Wednesday would be priceless.

Getting stronger
Riseth believes that task is not beyond them. "We had a bit of luck when we drew against Chelsea in London, but we have a lot of confidence in the squad having performed so well lately," he said. "We are a stronger side than on the last occasion we played Chelsea and we truly believe we can win on Wednesday."