Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has hit back at claims by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he dives on a regular basis, ahead of tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg between the two sides at Stamford Bridge.

It has recently been reported that Benitez has compiled a video of Drogba’s diving antics and shown it to his players, amongst comments from the Spaniard’s criticising the Ivory Coast international’s tactics.

But Drogba says, “Benitez was a manager I respected a lot. He has really disappointed me.

“Until now, I found him very competent and also classy. A top boss would never go so low to attack a player.

“Perhaps he is looking for something to destabilise us before the match.

“It will not affect me. If I fall, I will always get up. The best response I can give will be on the pitch.”

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm and is live on Sky Sports 2.