Chelsea caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo launched a robust defence of the quality of his squad ahead of tomorrow's Champions League clash with Benfica after Frank Lampard claimed he and his team-mates were "not as good as we used to be''.

Lampard used the club's in-house television channel to deliver a withering assessment of the Blues' season, which sees them in real danger of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Di Matteo admitted Chelsea - who are five points adrift of the Barclays Premier League top four - had endured a turbulent campaign.

"The numbers say that, so there is no point in denying it's been a difficult season,'' he said.

"But we have quality in this team and many good players. I still think this Chelsea team is a very good team.''

Di Matteo, whose side go into their quarter-final first leg in Portugal as England's sole remaining European representative, added: "Chelsea used to be in the top two or top three, at least. So it's been hard for us, domestically.

"But we're in the semi-finals of a domestic cup, and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.''

Lampard also admitted Chelsea had allowed their intensity level to drop since their historic last-16 comeback to beat Napoli.

Di Matteo added: "I have faith in this team. They've shown they can play at high intensity at a high level, so I'm looking forward to my team doing that again tomorrow.

"I am positive about the team, but my players are positive too.

"We have great belief in our abilities. That's what we're going to try and express tomorrow.''

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, meanwhile, told Didier Drogba his side would react to a perceived slight from the Chelsea striker by winning tomorrow's clash in Lisbon.

Benfica appear to have taken offence at a video on the London club's official website which some have claimed shows Drogba feigning fear at having drawn Jesus' men.

Chelsea defender David Luiz - the former Benfica player - suggested this evening that Drogba was actually reacting to the prospect of facing Barcelona in the semi-finals, insisting his team-mate had not been disrespecting Benfica.

Jesus accepted the forward was "probably just joking'', but added: "Drogba only knows what he's thinking.

"You have to remember that Benfica and Sporting Lisbon eliminated Manchester United and Manchester City, the two top teams in England, from Europe.

"Any responses we'll be giving to Drogba will be on the field and proving we are better than him.''

Luiz attempted to clear up the matter, which Chelsea themselves branded "a complete misunderstanding''.

Luiz said: "If people watch the video closely, it's not directed at Benfica.

"He was talking about Barcelona because Barcelona are a very, very big team.

"Chelsea know how Benfica reached this far. They're a strong team.

"Drogba's character wouldn't allow him to disrespect another team.''

Match

I don't know how it would happen but the Spirit in me tells me that this "underrated" Chelsea team, no matter how "unco-ordinated" it seems to be, will beat Benfica tonight and even go ahead to win the Champions League just to prove the bookmakers wrong.

"All things are possible to them that believe."

Blue rules the world

Just saw the line up. Lampard's depreciating ass is on the bench along with bosingwa. Ferreria is in his place. I just hope merieles can be a little creative today. Goals for torres and kalou. CHELSEA all the way

SMSguru: I don't know how it would happen but the Spirit in me tells me that this "underrated" Chelsea team, no matter how "unco-ordinated" it seems to be, will beat Benfica tonight and even go ahead to win the Champions League just to prove the bookmakers wrong.

"All things are possible to them that believe."

Win champions league ke? When barca never die.

Babamide: Just saw the line up. Lampard's depreciating ass is on the bench along with bosingwa. [size=18pt]Ferreria[/size] is in his place. I just hope merieles can be a little creative today. Goals for torres and kalou. CHELSEA all the way

@ The bolded above i never for once have confidence in him, they could have manage CAHIL in place of ferreria

game on

pls everyone, what site can i watch this match and others pls, will highly appreciate the link, Cheers

nice shot luis

kalunho is offside

Drogba trembles at the mention of 'Jesus'. I said it that doing juju isnt gonna pay him. His juju is frustrating torres as planned, but its doing something extra - 'its killing chelsea softly'!

cheksli lucky again . . .

freekick cheksli .. mata to take

headed out for a cheksli corner . .hehehehe dem dey boo meireles

kalu strong sha like one kind dangerous agbero

Meireless sef. kai.

choi Torres go easy naw

freekick benfica -----> make it count

half time

what an exciting first half of football.........NOT. Shekpe, playing like sheet,benfica, playing even sheeti'er. Two useless clubs!

Chelsea must win this match.

Heathen: what an exciting first half of football.........NOT. Shekpe, playing like sheet,benfica, playing even sheeti'er. Two useless clubs!

Chaii, Must u say.?

shekpe e , wetin dey happen

benfica refused two handball

hmm mata sef chei .. na bar save benfica o

benfica freekick

penalty! Penalty! Penarity ooooh! Dem wan start to dey cheat ojoro! John terry *i believe i can fly* im dey stretch hand like chicken wey wan fly.

This match is boring jo!
Though second half is much more livelier.
Give it to Chelsea to make semis on evidence of this game

Great save Cech!

fat frank on

mata has hit the wood work more times than hes hit the net at chelski!
Still rooting for chelski sha! We need an english team at europe. Chelski remains the only team that frustrates barca, mostly b'cos of their bullish style of play.