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.