• Champions League

Cahill: Chelsea players behind Di Matteo

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has leapt to the defence of manager Roberto Di Matteo, amid growing speculation that the Italian's future as Blues boss is under threat.

Cahill, who played a full part in Chelsea's improbable Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich in May, has urged Di Matteo's doubters to remember his achievement in bringing Europe's biggest prize to Stamford Bridge when assessing his suitability to be Chelsea manager.

"He achieved such a lot in a short space of time last season, started this campaign really well, so all the players are behind him and we all support him," Cahill said. "He is definitely the right man. He proved as much last year and I'm sure he'll prove it again this year."

Following Di Matteo's comments, Cahill confirmed that the much publicised dressing room argument among Chelsea players that followed last Saturday's 2-1 defeat against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns had taken place, suggesting it showed the desperation for success at the club.

"In the short space of time I have been here, I've realised that losing games has not been acceptable and when you do lose people are hurt and upset and it is a positive thing," he said. "Sometimes things need to be said and it is great to have that reaction. I would be worried if people were just going into the shower, getting dressed and getting on the bus.

"Being part of a club like Chelsea you are expected to go out and perform and get results, but also people want to sign for Chelsea because they want to be a part of big things. The players want to win games. Even at times drawing games feels bad. It is a philosophy the club has and the players have as well.

"It is an important week but if we get the right results we will be on the right path again. We have strong characters in the dressing room and I am sure we will pull through."

Chelsea's daunting trip to Turin is followed up by a home game against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, with speculation over Di Matteo's future likely to dominate the headlines throughout the week.

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