- During the pre-match press conference, you expressed concerns about the match with Shakhtar. Were they justified? - Shakhtar are a very good side with a good track record at home against English teams in particular, but in general as well, and the early goal helped them. It is always difficult when that happens in an important game, and it unsettled us a little in the first half, we found it hard to get into our rhythm.
- How important will Chelsea’s remaining game be? - We need to win our two home games remaining for sure and the consolation tonight is Juventus's draw in Denmark which shows the Champions League is a very competitive competition.
- Shakhtar could have scored more goals. Do you agree? - They were a little bit lucky with the first goal with a ricochet on the edge of the box but the second goal we got caught in possession and they punished us on the break.
- Would you say that Shakhtar played their game today, without allowing Chelsea do the same? - The early goal helped them massively. It unsettled us. We started to get into our rhythm and I was always confident we would score a goal, at least. We were controlling the game more in the second half but we got caught in possession and they punished us. Chasing two goals, the game became very open.
- Could you tell the reasons for making substitutions? - Lampard was replaced because of an injury, and to some extent it affected our game.
- What present did you prepare for Chelsea President Roman Abramovich on his birthday? - Now our best present for him will be our win against Man Utd in the next league game on Sunday.
- Could you please rate a Cech game? - He is a tremendous goalkeeper and he is in good shape and very confident. It is a bonus to have such a good goalkeeper in our ranks.
