Di Matteo calm over Abramovich visit

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says Roman Abramovich visited Blues training after his side’s disappointing draw with Juventus.

Chelsea, who are preparing to face Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday, let a two goal lead slip against Juventus as they began their UEFA Champions League title defence with a 2-2 draw.

Owner Abramovich spoke to the players at the club’s training ground at Cobham on Thursday but it is nothing new to the Italian coach.

“Yeah he (Abramovich) actually comes quite often to be honest,” Di Matteo said.

“He likes to be involved and he comes down whenever he can. He’s followed us a lot this season on the pre-season tour in the States as well. So he’s always around when he can be.

“At a big club you are always under pressure and have to win games and in the right manner as well. That’s part of being at a big club and the same applies to us.”

Teenage sensation Oscar marked his Champions League debut with two goals against Juventus, but Di Matteo says the Brazilian is still acclimatising to the Premier League and will face another test against Stoke on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a more physical game because the Premier League in general is more like that,” said the former Chelsea midfielder.

“But I’m pretty sure he’s ready for that, he’s an intelligent man and player and will find a way to get around it.”

The Italian also condemned the behaviour of the Twitter users who aimed racist remarks at Nigerian international midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Mikel was at fault for Juventus’ second goal and has subsequently closed his Twitter account.

“Well his (John Obi Mikel) intention was to close the account anyway so it was a good reason to close it,” he said.

“I think in general you know social media Twitter because it’s anonymous; it’s a dangerous vehicle to express yourself.

“So if someone has to express an opinion he should put his face to it.”