Di Matteo sticks up for Chelsea

Roberto Di Matteo launched a robust defence of the quality of his Chelsea squad after Frank Lampard claimed he and his team-mates were "not as good as we used to be".

Lampard used the club's in-house television channel to deliver a withering assessment of the Blues' season, which sees them in real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League. Caretaker manager Di Matteo admitted Chelsea - who are five points adrift of the Barclays Premier League top four - had endured a turbulent campaign.

"The numbers say that, so there is no point in denying it's been a difficult season," he said. "But we have quality in this team and many good players. I still think this Chelsea team is a very good team."

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