Chelsea can cope with Club World Cup commitments, says Di Matteo

15/11/2012 1:30:00 AM

The Blues boss is not concerned about the extra demands placed on his squad, despite the Stamford Bridge outfit facing nine fixtures in December as a result of their participation

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo believes that his squad have sufficient depth to cope with participating in the Club World Cup.

The Blues qualified for the tournament by virtue of last season's Champions League victory but must juggle taking part with their commitments in Europe, the Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

But Di Matteo says that his side have the quality to handle all four competitions, despite the extra trophy requiring a trip to Japan in December.


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"It will certainly put a big strain on the team, because it is a trip to the other side of the world with different time zones while the Premier League is still playing on," the Blues manager told reporters.

"We will have to deal with that. But we have got a big enough squad that I think we should be able to cope with it."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech also insists that the west London outfit's involvement in the Club World Cup is not a distraction from their domestic duties.

"I am glad I will have the opportunity to go there. Obviously it will make our fixtures here a bit more complicated," the veteran added.

"But that is the way it is. I would rather have a chance to go and play and have a better week."

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