Terry praises Di Matteo impact

John Terry has expressed his satisfaction at Chelsea’s progress since Roberto Di Matteo took over from Andre Villas-Boas as manager.

Di Matteo, who replaced the sacked Villa-Boas in March, has guided the team to the semi-finals of the Champions League courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday.

Terry said while Chelsea did not play as well as they had hoped in their second-leg win, they were relieved to secure progression, 3-1 on aggregate.

They will now face Barcelona in the semi-finals on April 18 and 24.

“If you think where we were a couple of months ago, we would certainly take where we are,” Terry told Sky Sports.

“We are delighted that we’re through.

“We didn’t play as well as we could have done, but we did the job. We were a little nervous in the last 10 minutes, but it was a good performance all round.”

Striker Didier Drogba is already hoping to get past Barcelona in the next round and reach the final in Munich next month.

“What really matters is to win it,” he said.

“It is going to be difficult, but I hope we can beat Barcelona and be in the final again in Munich.”