• Premier League

Di Matteo: Liverpool are Chelsea's 'bogey team'

ESPN staff
November 9, 2012
Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League games against Liverpool © Getty Images
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Roberto Di Matteo has described Liverpool as Chelsea's "bogey team" ahead of the clubs' clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Despite Chelsea beating Liverpool in last season's FA Cup final, there is merit in Di Matteo's words as Chelsea have lost all of their last four league games against Liverpool. You have to go back to May 2, 2010, the result that effectively secured that season's title for Chelsea, for the last time the London side were victorious.

"They are our bogey team," Di Matteo said. "They seem always to play exceptionally well against us and get results. It is always difficult and very difficult to beat them. It hasn't happened too often in the last three years. We have to be aware of that and be very focused and try to play a very good game.

"First of all, they have very good players and they seem to have an exceptional game, one of their best of the season, whenever they play is. They always find to play us in a moment when we are not at our best. Sunday, we are in good spirits, full of confidence and the team is playing well. Hopefully it will be a different story."

Di Matteo, of course, will also be hoping for a first goal from Fernando Torres against his old club.

"Sometimes playing against your old team gives extra motivation, sometimes it inhibits you," he added. "It depends on his frame of mind playing against his old team.

"I am happy with his contribution. It is not about him repaying my faith. It's about him performing for the club. I hope every player feels they have the confidence of the manager. I try to instil that into them, to enable them to express themselves to the best of their level. I am quite happy with what he gives back."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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