Di Matteo backs Terry to handle hostility

Roberto Di Matteo is confident John Terry will be able to handle abuse from Arsenal fans when Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium.

Terry was earlier this week fined 220,000 pounds and handed a four-match ban by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

And Chelsea manager Di Matteo is expecting his captain to receive a hostile welcome when the Blues face the Gunners in the Premier League on Saturday.

But Di Matteo is backing the 31-year-old to use his experience to cope with the environment.

“He’s an experienced player, playing many games before, difficult games under difficult circumstances and environments,” the Italian told reporters.

“So, if selected, I don’t think there will be a problem.

“The spirit in the camp is good, we are in good shape, and good form. We are confident so we don’t really care too much the way the outside world, the external environment, sees us, we have to focus on our strength, that’s the way we operate.

“It’s a big game every time Arsenal and Chelsea play each other. These are two teams in good form. I think it’s going to be an exciting game, I’m looking forward to it.”

Di Matto also moved to dismiss speculation that the Terry could be stripped of the club captaincy.

“From our point of view there are no changes,” he said when queried on the matter.