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Di Matteo claims Blues are together

Roberto Di Matteo saw his side beat Birmingham © PA Photos

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Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo insists he is not fighting against a divided dressing-room, claiming that all the players are "on board" for the challenges ahead.

Di Matteo tasted victory in his first game in interim charge as the Blues advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory at Birmingham City.

Senior players Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien were all omitted from the starting line-up at St Andrew's but Di Matteo sais it was "a question of freshening up the team" rather than making a statement of intent.

"We faced a difficult task today given the events of the last couple of days and it was important for us to get through to the next round. We had to do a job today," Di Matteo said.

"Was it a brave selection choice? It was nothing to do with bravery. They were all on board. They know the targets we have to achieve. They are big players for this club. We have a squad and we have to utilise the squad. We have to try and get the best out of these players.

"It was a question of freshening up the team a bit, giving it some energy and fresh legs for a game like this. We had to fight today.

"It has been a difficult time. It's been difficult for the whole club. When events like this happen ... we've lost a great guy (Andre Villas-Boas). But you have to deal with it. Tonight we had to focus on this game and move on as a club, put it to one side and move forward.''

The former West Brom manager sidestepped questions over whether he would be interested in taking the role on a permanent basis - if offered the chance.

"Would I take it? I'm very tired tonight. I have to think about Stoke City from an hour's time onwards, and that's all I'm thinking about. Think whatever you want to think. I'm not thinking about anything else,'' he added.

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton praised his team's efforts before being beaten by second half goals from Juan Mata and Raul Meireles in what was their 47th game of the campaign.

He said: "We gave it a real good go but needed to stay in the game at 0-0 longer in the second half. The first goal gave them a lift and the second was real quality.

"We have really enjoyed the cup runs in the Europa League and the FA Cup. People say they may have impacted on our hopes in the league. But I think they have had a positive impact on us and there is no shame in going out to a Chelsea side full of quality.''

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