Caretaker Chelsea manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Di Matteo has defended his team selection against Liverpool in the English Premier League, with his side going on to lose 4-1.
The former Chelsea player made eight changes to the side that had faced the Reds earlier on Saturday in the FA Cup final. While that side had emerged victorious in the cup competition, defeating Liverpool 2-1 to lift the coveted trophy, they were unable
to beat Kenny Dalglish’s side in the Premier League.
The Blues were clearly the weaker side as Liverpool tore through their defence and netted four goals, with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramires-c30523 managed to score a consolation goal at the start of the second half but it was not enough to help the Blues make a comeback. The Italian manager admitted Liverpool had been the better side and deserved the win.
Di Matteo said in an interview:
“I thought Liverpool were the better side. They looked inspired and they scored at the right times as well. It wasn't the team selection. We have to give credit to them (Liverpool).”
Roberto Di Matteo revealed he believed that while Liverpool had been exceptional during the fixture, Chelsea had not done too badly either. Most of the players who started against the Reds had not played for most of the season, making it their B team.
According to Di Matteo Chelsea still had the chance of finishing in the top four of the English Premier League with two games remaining in the season. He revealed they were now depending on other results to guarantee them UEFA Champions League football next
season.
He continued:
“We have played with these players the whole season and they have carried us so far and we still had a chance with two games to qualify for fourth spot.
We were depending on other results (to make the top four) but we have needed everyone to come so far.”
Chelsea play Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, victory in which will mean they will automatically qualify for the European competition next season.
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