John Terry has expressed his delight at the progress made by Chelsea since Roberto Di Matteo took over from Andre Villas-Boas as manager.
Di Matteo has guided the Blues to the semi-finals of the Champions League semi-final and Terry admitted that while Chelsea did not play as well as they had hoped in their victory over Benfica they were relieved to secure progression.
"If you think where we were a couple of months ago, we would certainly take where we are," Terry told Sky Sports. "We are delighted that we're through.
"We didn't play as well as we could have done, but we did the job. We were a little nervous in the last 10 minutes, but it was a good performance all round."
Didier Drogba also insisted that the win was most important for the Blues and admitted he is hoping to get past Barcelona in the next round and to the final in Munich.
The Ivorian added: "What really matters is to win it. It is going to be difficult, but I hope we can beat Barcelona and be in the final again in Munich."
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CHELSEA TRIUMPH? |
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10/1 |
Chelsea are 10/1 with Sportingbet to win the Champions League this season |
Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay, meanwhile, hailed the Blues' "fantastic turnaround" since Villas-Boas' departure.
"It is a fantastic achievement," Gourlay enthused.
"If you consider where we found ourselves just a couple of months ago, to achieve what we have done in the last eight or nine games has been a fantastic turnaround and great credit to everybody involved with the club."
Gourlay will be involved in appointing Villas-Boas' permanent successor but refused to be drawn into singling out Di Matteo for special praise.
"I think it is a team effort," Gourlay said. "Everybody has pulled their weight.
"We sat down and analysed the whole situation and I think we have seen the results. Everyone has stepped up to the bar.
"We just have to take one game at a time and see where we can go from here until the end of the season."