Di Matteo hits back at Barcelona jibes

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has vowed that there won’t be dramatic changes to the Blues’ style of play.

Owner Roman Abramovich wants to change the style from Mourinho’s dour but effective way, which shone through in the Champions League last year, to a style closer to Barcelona and his summer spending has reflected that.

But Di Matteo won’t be making major adjustments to his side.

“There won’t be radical changes,” he said.

“Certainly, with the influence of the new players once they are integrated, they will be a bit different because they have different characteristics and abilities.

“I know we need to win games as well.

“But I don’t think you can expect a completely different Chelsea overnight.

“The majority of the team are still here and, with those players, the club have been very successful already.”

Former manager Andre Villas-Boas tried to change things too much, too fast but the Italian will look to turn his Chelsea side into the best possible side they can be.

“Everybody would like to play like Barcelona, but the reality is there isn’t another team in the world who play like them,” Di Matteo said.

“It’s a culture, a way of life, a style they’ve produced through the club for many, many years.

“The aim for a lot of teams and clubs is to get there.

“But, as far as I’m concerned, there isn’t one who plays like Barca. And there’s only one Lionel Messi around.”