adminThe popular Italian (42) was confirmed as the Blues’ permanent boss last month, having guided them to both FA Cup and then European glory after taking over on an interim basis following the departure of Andre Villas-Boas, who has been appointed Tottenham manager.
Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou may have departed, but Chelsea have moved to bring in Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard from Lille and Germany midfielder Marko
Marin from Werder Bremen, who could both yet be joined by Porto’s Brazilian frontman Hulk.
Di Matteo — who is the eighth permanent head coach of Roman Abramovich’s ownership — feels it is very much a case of evolution, not revolution at Stamford Bridge as he looks to improve on last season’s sixth place in the English Premier League.
He said: “I don’t think it will be an overnight thing. I wouldn’t expect radical changes.
“I would like us to be a good team that can compete and always in the frame for the targets this club has.
“I don’t think there’ll be a big overhaul of how we approach the games, new players will be integrated into the team and we will try and get the best out of them.”
Di Matteo continued: “I don’t see any reason to change. I am the way I am — this is me. The way I operate is me and that’s not going to change in the future.
“I have my way to communicate with the players and I will continue with that.
“My job is too make them feel confident and to put their talent for the service of the team and try to win games.
“We certainly have to make up ground (in the Premier League) because we finished 25 points behind the leaders so that’s going to be a big job.”
Di Matteo accepts becoming European champions for the first time means Chelsea’s standards have been raised once again.
He said: “Having won the European title might bring some expectations, yes, but I think it’s a club that has always had expectations. That is nothing new for our players.” — Sky Sports.
Online Reporter