Di Matteo says Chelsea has to tighten defense

Roberto Di Matteo has hinted strongly Chelsea may abandon its attacking style in favor of a more defensive mentality after its 2-1 loss at West Bromwich Albion.

The Chelsea coach is concerned by his team's slump in form after seeing the European champion take just two points from four games and relinquish top spot in the Premier League.

And with a crucial Champions League game against Juventus in Turin on Tuesday followed by a Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge next weekend, Di Matteo says it is time to tighten up.

Chelsea's midfield trio of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard have been lauded for their contribution to the team's expansive, attractive style this season.

But one of them may be sacrificed - if only temporarily - as Di Matteo's plans for Turin revert back towards the more obdurate approach he utilized to land the club's first Champions League title last May.

"We have played differently this season, but we might have to go a little bit tighter to win games and make sure we don't concede," he said.

"Maybe it is time to look at it, change it, and get a win. We have massive games coming up, but we have players with a lot of experience in these situations.

"We cannot rely on scoring three goals to win a game. Sometimes you need to be able to win 1-0.

"We will look at the set-up of the team and maybe sacrifice a little of the attacking options."

Di Matteo chose to leave Mata, Oscar and Ramires out of his starting lineup against Albion on Saturday, but rejected claims he was saving them for the Juventus clash.

Instead, the Chelsea manager said their mid-week globe-trotting to play international soccer with Spain and Brazil had shaped his thoughts.

All three came off the bench in the second half as Chelsea fought to retrieve a 2-1 deficit.

(China Daily 11/19/2012 page23)