The Blues are now trailing Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle in the race for the final two Champions League places after the 1-1 draw with Fulham on Monday night.

But, with fixtures against Arsenal and Newcastle still to come, Di Matteo believes their destiny is still under their control.

He told Chelsea TV: "It's good that we still have to play these teams. It's still in our hands."

Demanding

The Italian has given his squad two days off in preparation for a tough run of games, which will see them play the FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham, both legs of their Champions League semi-final with Barcelona, and travel to Arsenal, all in the space of nine days.

Di Matteo continued: "It'll be very demanding physically and mentally, until the end of the season so, I think two days' break is good."

Meanwhile, Salomon Kalou has told his team-mates that they have to put the draw with Fulham behind them.

He said: "We have to forget about the game [last night] and continue to work hard because it's still possible to get the third place."