Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has explained hooking Didier Drogba during defeat to Manchester City.

One change which drew attention in this fixture was the removal of Drogba 20 minutes before the end, when he was replaced by Daniel Sturridge.

It allowed Nicolas Anelka to take up the central striker's position, while fresh-legged Sturridge roamed up and down the right wing.

"I wanted to put more speed in front with Anelka and Sturridge and to use the speed of Sturridge, he was fresh, so I took this decision to change Drogba," said Ancelotti.

"We have on the bench this opportunity to change the players. We have young players; [Josh] McEachran played 10 minutes and played well. We have to have confidence in the young players."