Players are behind me, Di Matteo insists

By

Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo has insisted that Chelsea’s players are behind him.

The former Blues midfielder shrugged off reports he is no more popular among the squad than Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked last weekend following dismal results and reports of player unrest.  

Chelsea beat Birmingham on Tuesday in his first match at the helm, leaving Di Matteo feeling upbeat ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Stoke.

He said: “I have spoken to all the players individually over the last five days. They know what the task is and they are all on board.

“I think you saw that from the reaction of the players on Tuesday. We now have to carry this on until the end of the season.”

Di Matteo added: “It’s a collective responsibility when things aren’t going well. It touches everyone from the manager to the players and everyone at the club.

“The players and I are confident and we believe we have the power and strength to achieve fourth place. ”

Meanwhile, Di Matteo has confirmed that skipper John Terry could feature against Stoke after recovering from a knee problem.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook