Drogba’s Impact Will Resonate More Off The Field Than On It
By Matt Tomovic
The soccer buzz is back in Montreal. The Montreal Impact traded for and signed ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, as another world famous footballer joins the MLS.
Sometimes plans do indeed change. It was just a short while ago that Montreal Impact president Joey Saputo showed concern over the spending of rivals Toronto FC and sticking to his philosophy of signing a designated player for the right reasons. However between then and now, something changed and the opportunity to sign a player of Didier Drogba’s quality and fame was too good to pass up.
Is this the right signing for the Impact? Will he fit in and help the team get into the playoffs, or will he lose his effectiveness playing in a much more physical style MLS?
More from CF Montreal
- MLS Terminates Contract of Matko Miljevic with CF Montréal: Reflections on Conduct and Responsibility
- CF Montreal 0-0 Chicago Fire: Does anyone win?
- CF Montréal vs Chicago Fire match preview – Last chance saloon
- Grade the Trade: Rudy Camacho’s move to Columbus
- Montreal signs defender Fernando Álvarez from Pachuca
Predicting what will transpire is anyone’s guess and up for much debate. However given what has transpired this season and where things stand today for club, it is safe to say Drogba’s impact will resonate more off the field than on it for the rest of this season. If history is any indication, Marco Di Vaio went through a transition phase as well before he really stepped up his game the next season.
The Montreal soccer market is composed of many casual and fickle fans. The success of the Concacaf Champions League and buzz generated by it was short lived. Despite being 45 minutes away from representing Concacaf in the FIFA Club World Cup, there has not been a single sellout at Stade Saputo this season. Even more surprising, the Impact have played very well at home, yet the fans are being hesitant.
Was this move geared towards attracting more fans to watch the games, help the team win games, or could it be a bit of both?
Certainly a big name like Didier Drogba will attract the curiosity of the casual fan who may want to go see him live. Initially there should be a buzz but if the Impact do not move up in the standings the buzz will subside.
It is a smart gamble by the club to bring in Drogba. He will give the marketing department a significant boost given his notoriety, and help tap the Quebec francophone market at the same time. The Impact will hope ticket sales and merchandising will help recover some of the investment made to Drogba, who will be with the club for 18 months.
On the pitch, expect a bit of difficulty for Drogba to integrate himself during the first few games. At 37 years-old he certainly isn’t expected to be as dominant as he used to be, but accessing his potential just based on his age is silly. The key for success will lie in coach Frank Klopas’ ability to get the tactics right to have the midfielders give Drogba proper service.
Drogba will arrive in Montreal today at 4:25 pm where hundreds of fans are expected to greet him at Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport.