Chelsea defender John Terry
is expected to be in the starting XI in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League Group E game in Ukraine.
Di Matteo believes that he can still fulfil that role for the European champions even though he has got a four-match ban in the Premier League:
“He has realised that he used language that was inappropriate and he has apologised for that and has certainly learned from that issue,” said Di Matteo.
“And with good performances and good behaviour in the future he should still be looked upon as the leader for our club.”
“I’ve never been concerned about picking him.
“He’s been able to focus on the games and that’s what the players love to do, playing football and it’s good for them that they can focus on that.
“What is common for players is that, even if they have family problems or some kind of issues outside in their private life, they tend to be able to focus on the football because it kind of just helps them.”
“I won’t think about Manchester United, only this game. We’ve got to focus on it, try to win the game and that’s a big, big boost for our campaign in the Champions League.”
“There are always knocks and bruises and maybe some fatigue as well considering the majority of our team have been away on international duty.
“Some of them have played two games for their country. All these things are things to think about.”
