Tuesday 25 November 2014 19:11, UK
Schalke manager Roberto Di Matteo admits there is no room for sentiment when he faces his old side Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Di Matteo etched his name into Chelsea folklore as a player and later as a manager when he won the Champions League with the west London side in 2012.
Schalke would boost their chances of a spot in the knockout stages of the competition if they beat the Italian’s former team and Di Matteo says a win for his side is his only focus.
“I had a very good time as a player and as a manager in London,” he said. “I spent many years of my life there and am still in contact with some of the people and the players," he said.
"But there's no time for sentimentality. The match is Schalke against Chelsea and I want to win with Schalke against Chelsea.
"The group is still wide open. Every team has the chance to reach the knockout round.
"Chelsea haven't lost a competitive game so far this season and have a lot of quality in their squad. You have to do everything right if you want to beat them. We'll give everything, as a win would put us in a very good position in the group."
Schalke defender Jens Keller acknowledges Tuesday’s match will be special for Di Matteo but is confident the Germans can halt Chelsea’s progression this season.
“Chelsea will have a lot of confidence coming into the game after their wins in the league," the Austria international conceded.
"But if we show our strengths again then we can pick up a point or even win the game against Chelsea.
"It's always special when you play against your ex-club and as a player you want to put in a good performance.
“But for a manager, they aren't on the pitch and the team have to implement what he wants. But I think that it'll be something special for him in every way."
