Roberto Di Matteo insists Chelsea have what it takes to win the UEFA Champions League as they look to complete a historical victory against Barcelona.
Barely seven weeks since taking charge and less than seven days after masterminding an astonishing semi-final first-leg win over Barca, caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo arrived at Camp Nou on Monday night determined to finish the job.
Chelsea have been written off this season and even before that, something that prompted Di Matteo to hit out at their critics after Saturday’s Premier League game at Arsenal.
And he was adamant they are good enough to end their agonising nine-year wait for Champions League glory since Roman Abramovich bought the club.
Quality
“We do have the qualities within this team,” he said.
“I think we need away from home, as we’ve seen in the past, a bit of luck to be able to do well in a competition like this.
“But, certainly, the quality and the squad we have at Chelsea is very good.”
The Blues interim manager believes is it vital the West Londoners attack at Camp Nou rather than simply trying to defend their 1-0 lead from the first-leg.
Chelsea have not lost in their last six games against Barca in the tournament and he is hopeful that they can add to their 22 goals they have already scored in this season’s competition.
Pep Guardiola’s defending European champions lost to their bitter rivals Real Madrid at the weekend in ‘El Clasico’, effectively handing Jose Mourinho’s men the Primera Liga title in the process and are now looking to avoid a third straight defeat in the space of a week.
“I do think we will have to try and score a goal,” said Di Matteo.
“I think that will give us a greater chance because I think it’s going to be difficult just to play for a goalless draw.
“Barcelona will create chances against every team they play against, so we will have to try and score a goal for sure.
“We have to also try and limit the chances that they can create against us.”
Drogba
Didier Drogba who scored Chelsea’s winner against Barca last week, played a full part during their training session at Camp Nou on Monday evening.
The striker missed the goalless draw against Arsenal at the weekend as Di Matteo rested eight players.
The Italian says he will make a decision on whether the Ivorian will start on Tuesday morning, adding: “I’ll assess the physical and mental state of my players.
“I’ll make the team selection tomorrow morning, so I can’t tell you what it’ll be tomorrow night.”
