Di Matteo shrugs off Pep talk - Blues stand-in accepts speculation over permanent job is natural

Roberto Di Matteo moments before making his explanation to Fernando Torres

Roberto Di Matteo claims he has found the latest speculation over the Chelsea manager's position amusing.

The Italian became the Blues' interim boss after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas and, ahead of Saturday's visit of Tottenham, he again refused to comment on whether he wants the job permanently.

There were also reports on Friday that claimed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was prepared to offer Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola £10million-a-year to become the Blues' new boss.

And Di Matteo insists he found the rumours "quite funny" rather than an unwanted distraction for him or his players.

"They all the read the papers and everybody makes their own minds up," he said.

Di Matteo also refused to confirm whether Didier Drogba would return to the starting line-up after being overlooked for Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Fernando Torres got the nod yet looked disgruntled when Di Matteo replaced him with Drogba, with the ex-Chelsea midfielder making a point of speaking to the Spaniard.

Torres chat

"I understand that the players are sometimes not happy to come off," said Di Matteo.

"Maybe they need a little bit of explanation and that can happen after the game as well - that's not a problem.

"I did speak to Didier, too, yes - and to many other players. He was obviously not happy but okay."

Di Matteo confirmed John Terry would be fit, though, after the Blues captain missed Wednesday's game with a calf strain.

"He's very influential for us in the team and we are very pleased that he's back," he said.

"In games like tomorrow, the experience factor will certainly play a role as well. They are the kind of players that are used to playing under that kind of pressure in such games. It's natural for them."