Di Matteo:Testing schedule continues

Roberto Di Matteo admits there has not been much time to celebrate victory in Barcelona with crucial league games now to consider against Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United. Celebrations in Catalonia were quickly over with attentions turning to Stamford Bridge and this afternoon's Barclays Premier League clash. Di Matteo knows he will have to continue rotating his squad to maintain the squad's recent form. 'The only way for us to be able to achieve results was to use every player with the schedule we have,' the Italian explained. 'We have been playing every three days since I have been in charge, apart from before the FA Cup semi-final. 'It kept everybody on their toes, and I have tried to communicate with the players and keep them focused on our targets. I select the players on their form and fitness, to make it a strong and balanced team. 'There is not much time to take your mind away from football because of the schedule we have. As soon as one game finishes you have to focus on the next one straight away because there is so little time in between the games.' It is a run that has served us well so far, with just one defeat in 15 games under the former midfielder. One player who has excelled since Di Matteo took charge is Tuesday's goalscorer Ramires, of whom he said: 'He is an exceptional player for us. He can cover many positions so it's great to have a player like that with his qualities. 'His personality, he is a very humble man, and he is a team player. Every player is unique and has his qualities.' With such natural fitness and stamina, it is likely Ramires will be heavily involved over the next two matches. If we can maintain our recent run, it is likely we will have that top four place firmly in our sights.