Di Matteo backs Buck on Terry

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo
insisted he had no problem with
chairman Bruce Buck confirming that
John Terry would remain as captain.
Di Matteo pointedly refused to reveal
on Friday whether the former England
skipper would still wear the armband
for his club as part of the internal
disciplinary action handed out in the
wake of his four-match ban from the
Football Association for racially abusing
Anton Ferdinand.
But Buck and chief executive Ron
Gourlay then gave an extensive radio
interview on Saturday morning to
reveal that Terry would retain the
responsibility, although he has been
hit with a heavy financial penalty.
Di Matteo, speaking in the wake of the
thrilling 4-2 victory over Tottenham at
White Hart Lane, backed the actions of
the club's hierarchy and stated he was
happy for Terry to remain as captain.
The Italian told Sky Sports: "The board
decide what they want to do and that's
the way it is. I'm fully aware of what's
going on and supported the decision
but ultimately they made the decision.
"I support their decision and I respect
their decision.
"It's been tough for us as a club to
deal with all these issues but we
showed today the energy towards the
football and showed we are a good
team.
"There were probably only 10 or 12
minutes in the second half where
Tottenham got back into the game and
we lost a bit of our control. I think the
rest of the game we had the initiative
and created a number of chances.
"It was a test of character today coming
here to play a team in form with four
consecutive wins.
"It was a big derby for us and after the
international break there are always a
few question marks how you're going
to start the new cycle of games - but
the answers we gave today were
perfect.
"We go away from home and want to
control the game and be the team who
imposes itself on the opposition.
"People always focus on the creative
side of the team. We are smooth on
the eye but we're a good team and
showed good team spirit.
"We're trying to progress, to develop
and become a good team. We have
started well, showed the qualities we
have - and can still improve on that."