Roberto Di Matteo: 'Chelsea will find it tougher in Champions League this season'

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has warned his players that winning matches in the Champions League this season will be more difficult than it was in 2011-12.

The Italian believes that the Blues' status as the reigning European champions will motivate the opponents to raise their game against them.

"We will be a scalp for the teams now," he is quoted as saying in The Mirror. "The motivation of the other teams will be stronger ­because we are the holders.

"I am sure a lot of managers will use that to motivate their players."

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Juventus at Stamford Bridge in their opening Group E game earlier this month.