Di Matteo defends Chelsea stature

Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo has jumped to the defence of his players after midfielder Frank Lampard claimed his side were in decline.

Lampard provided a withering assessment when asked about Chelsea’s season, telling Chelsea TV: “We’re not as good as we used to be.”

But despite his side sitting five points behind Tottenham in fourth place and in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League next season, Di Matteo denies his team lacks quality.

“The numbers say that, so there is no point in denying it’s been a difficult season,” Di Matteo said.

“But we have quality in this team and many good players. I still think this Chelsea team is a very good team.

“I am positive about the team, but my players are positive too.

“We have great belief in our abilities. That’s what we’re going to try and express tomorrow.”

Chelsea face Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday and Di Matteo believes his side can secure an advantage to take back to Stamford Bridge next month.

“It’s a very fine line between success and failure, this team has the ability to play a good game tomorrow night,” he said.

“Benfica play with great intensity and good pressure, have some excellent players, wouldn’t be in the quarter-finals if not.”