Di Matteo – Barcelona have weaknesses, and Chelsea have the tools!

There have enough posts about the unfairness of Chelsea having to play Tottenham tonight, just three days before the all-important Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, but Roberto Di Matteo is certain that the European Champions have some weaknesses that Chelsea can take advantage of if only they had more time to prepare.

“We only found out we were playing Barcelona when we qualified the other week and I have been watching and analysing Barcelona but there has not been time to prepare on the pitch because we had to prepare for the other games.” Di Matteo said.

“They are certainly one of the best teams in the world and show it with all the success they have. In the last five or six years they have certainly been at the top there. Also, Bayern Munich is up there, Real Madrid is up there, AC Milan is probably up there.

“They are among the other teams, and they might have a little edge but we are talking about fantastic football teams here.

“You look at where you can hurt Barcelona and create difficulties.I have seen many games and they have weaknesses – we just need to exploit them.”

When asked if he already had a team in mind to play against Barca, Di Matteo was adamant that the Tottenham game must be dealt with first, and then see who is fit enough to face Barcelona in midweek.

“The recovery is as important as the training sessions.” he continued. “The training sessions are very defined towards the next game, short sessions, because you can’t have too much volume in it.”

“We have all the tools we need but I believe your eyes are probably the best judge. They are out there every day. You look at the players and can see their behaviour. Data you use as a backup to confirm or deny what you are thinking.

“I need to see how we get through the game on Sunday. That will be crucial for the selection for Wednesday.”

I’ve never heard a Chelsea manager call his team a bunch of tools before! But, seriously, I hope that thinking of Barcelona doesn’t mean they take their eye of the ball against Tottenham. This is one game that we just HAVE to win!