Every game crucial - Di Matteo

Roberto Di Matteo has praised his Chelsea side's progress over the past few weeks, but insists there is no time to savour their success, with crucial games every few days in the side's pursuit of fourth place in the Premier League.

Roberto Di Matteo has impressed since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas

Di Matteo, who took over at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of March has overseen an upturn in fortunes for the Blues, with positive results in three competitions rescuing a disappointing season for the club.

Although Chelsea are ahead in their Champions League semi-final clash with Barcelona and have also booked a place in May's FA Cup final, they still face continuous hard work in order to secure fourth place in the Premier League and thereupon a place in next season's Champions League.

"Six weeks ago, if anybody would've told you that we were in this position now, we would've been very happy. We had the belief and we knew that we had the quality in our team as well,'' said Di Matteo, ahead of Saturday's clash with London rivals Arsenal.

"There is so little time to enjoy these wins. The (FA Cup) semi-final against Spurs was a great win but there was no time to enjoy it, and this one in midweek the same. Because, after the game, you start thinking about Arsenal already."

Regarding the club's hopes of a fourth place finish, the clash at the Emirates on Saturday is crucial for Chelsea hopes, with defeat potentially leaving the Blues five points off the pace by the end of the weekend.

"Unfortunately, we have to play catch-up - that's been from day one. So, every game that we've played in the league is crucial, and this is another one," Di Matteo added, before playing down the effects of tiredness on his squad.

"Psychologically, it feels much better digesting this amount of games when you're winning. That doesn't take away the fact that we're going to play our third game in less than six days. I've been using the squad and I will continue to do so because I think that is the only answer, really, to be able to compete in every game."

By Elicy Michael.