http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Di Matteo for his simple management approach and believed that the Italian has restored the confidence at Stamford Bridge.
The English International hailed Di Matteo’s strong character after he took over. The Blues have won five of their previous seven matches under his management.
"It was a case of getting confidence back in the team. Judging by the results, in majority, he's done that. The roles are different [assistant and manager]. I think it's brought out a lot in him, being manager,” Lampard said.
Chelsea slumped to the fifth place in the Premier League and were on the brink of elimination in the Champions League under the club’s former manager, Andre Villas Boas. However, the veteran Chelsea player refused to blame the Portuguese manager for the
club’s lamentable run in the league. He believed that a lack of confidence in the team’s outfit reflected in their poor form in the league this season. The midfielder admired Di Matteo’s management style, pointing out his simple playing strategy.
"It's simple, not over-complicated, It was a case of getting confidence back in the team. Judging by the results, in majority, he's done that.”
Since the 41 year old took over the reins of the Stamford Bridge side, the Blue have witnessed a remarkable upheaval. The Italian guided his side to a dramatic comeback win in the second leg of the Round 16 tie of the Champions League against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003. This
week, the Blues beat Benfica in their away game of the elite European competition, with Kalou netting an important away goal for his team. The club’s 50 million pound striker, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 has also been seen in a good form under Di Matteo with the Spaniard
ending his goal drought in a FA Cup match against Leicester City.
Lampard was often omitted from the starting eleven by Villas Boas, who aimed at refreshing the old Chelsea squad. The midfielder admitted that he went through a tough time under the Portuguese. Even though the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international missed the Blues first
leg against Benfica earlier this week, he remains a regular choice for Di Matteo for a first team place.
"It's fair to say [there was difference in approach about being told he was not starting against Benfica and Napoli].”
"Different managers have different ideas. I spoke to Robbie [Di Matteo] before the [Benfica] game. There was certainly no issue."
Chelsea will be favourites ahead of their second leg fixture against Benfica. If the Blues make it into the last four, they will clash with the winner of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604 - AC Milan quarterfinal.
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