BIG PETE: Roberto Di Matteo on the inside story of Chelsea’s Champions League triumph

Roberto Di Matteo discussed the vital role that unity and faith in the squad played during their path to the Champions League success: “I never once thought we were done for. Even during our dire situations, such as the return fixture versus Napoli or the clashes with Barcelona, I sensed there was still a chance. That team possessed a unique quality. Numerous characters, numerous athletes who genuinely merited tasting success and hoisting that iconic prize. My confidence in the group was utterly boundless,” he shared with Petr Čech.

Chelsea, in spite of persistent challenges, advanced to the final and in the end claimed the prestigious prize.

“The entire week leading to the final felt odd, four squad members were sidelined, and until the very end, we were unsure if Gary Cahill and David Luiz could recover in time. We realised we could not wing it on game day, hence we readied two alternative formations. Ultimately, both recovered, featured for the whole duration, and I believe it stemmed largely from the collective drive to prevail. Actually, it turned out to be the simplest team selection I have ever made for a final,” Di Matteo remembered.

The complete televised edition of this instalment in the Big Pete series will air on CANAL+ Sport and the CANAL+ online platform in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Poland, Myanmar, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, and Hungary, plus on SuperSport in South Africa and Switzerland.