Chelsea captain John Terry has responded to claims that he has taken it upon himself to act as manager of the club, despite Roberto Di Matteo being in charge.
The former England captain was singled out for instructing his teammates from the bench during the Blues' 4-1 win over Napoli in the Champions League last week.
"In response to comments suggesting that I think I'm the manager, I'd like to say Robbie has stepped up and been immense," the London Evening Standard quotes Terry as saying.
"I am Chelsea through and through whether I am on the pitch or off it. Had I still been on the pitch [against Napoli] I would have been saying the same things that I was from the bench. That is my role as captain of this club.
"Just because I have come off the pitch, it doesn't mean to say my mentality changes. People might see it the wrong way, but I care about this football club, we all do, and Robbie and his backroom staff deserve full credit."
Terry is expected to return to Chelsea's starting lineup to face Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow after missing out on the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Danielle Joynson
