Di Matteo says finishing in top-four more essential then winning FA Cup, CL for Chelsea

London, May 2(ANI): Interim Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has once again reiterated that finishing among the top four this season is still the club's priority, even more than winning the FA Cup and the Champions League.

A top-four finish would ensure Chelsea would play in the Champions League next season, irrespective of them winning the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on May 22.

A win against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday could take the Blues back into the top four for the first time since Andre Villas-Boas was sacked two months ago.

Di Matteo knows Chelsea must qualify for next year's Champions League after banking 50 million pounds from their run to this month's final in Munich.

"We have been trying to make up the distance on the clubs ahead of us and now we are in a good position to get fourth. From my first day in charge we have always said getting into the top four is crucial," The Sun quoted Di Matteo, as saying.It is credit to the players that we are so close to Spurs, Newcastle and even Arsenal while we have still managed to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup. We didn't want to just throw anything away and, fortunately, we are in a position where we are still fighting on all three fronts," he added. (ANI)