Di Matteo apologises after Chelsea mauling

Forum 9 years ago

Di Matteo apologises after Chelsea mauling

The former Blues boss saw his Schalke side demolished by Jose Mourinho's men, and he was far from happy with how his players stood off their counterparts

Roberto Di Matteo has apologised to Schalke’s fans following their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea, admitting his side gave the Premier League leaders too much respect.

The Konigsblauen dropped to third place in Group G of the Champions League after being overrun by Jose Mourinho’s side, and the former Chelsea boss conceded that his current charges made it too easy for their visitors.
[ads4]
“When you concede in the first minute the match becomes even more difficult than it already was,” Di Matteo told Sky TV.

“We gave them too much respect and gave them space, and they exploited that brutally. We did not win enough duels and we were too far away to recover balls. It is a big problem when you give Chelsea’s players so much space.

“I am sorry we performed like this in front of our fans.”

Defender Benedikt Howedes was at a loss to explain his side’s submission.

“I am having trouble finding suitable words for this,” he added. “I can only apologise to all the people that came to the stadium.”

Chelsea’s victory secures their progression as group winners, and Germany international Andre Schurrle was quick to laud his team’s fantastic resources.

“We have incredible depth in our squad,” he told Sky. “Everybody who is on the pitch gives 100 per cent. We have quality at the back and we have quality upfront. That is our advantage.”

Schalke face Maribor in their final group fixture needing a win and a Chelsea victory over Sporting Lisbon if they are to reach the last 16.