Robertoi Di Matteo was understandably disappointed with his team's efforts against Shakhtar Donetsk with the defending European champions crashing to a 2-1 defeat at the Donbass Arena.
Goals from Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho consigned the Blues to their first defeat this year in the Champions League, despite a late consolation from Oscar. Chelsea were let off the hook a little bit though with Juventus failing to get all three points against Danish minnows FC Nordsjaelland.
Shakhtar now lead Group E with seven points, while Chelsea have four. Juventus are a point behind Chelsea with Nordjaelland bottom on one point, with three games remaining.
"They are a very strong team and they showed that again tonight," Di Matteo said. "It's a difficult group we are in and the Champions League is always very competitive. You look at the other result in our group and it shows just how competitive it is.
"The early goal helped Shakhtar massively and it unsettled us. We were getting better in the second half but then we got caught. We have to look at this performance as a one-off.
"The commitment from our players was great. We could have done better as a team but we were alright. We have a good squad and we'll have to utilise it in the next match. We must win our two Champions League home games and I'm confident it will be a different game for Shakhtar.
"We're strong at home as well."
Di Matteo said Frank Lampard would have to undergo a scan before being able to assess the extent of the injury. The veteran midfielder lasted just 15 minutes against Shakhtar, limping off the field in a recurrence of the calf injury that had ruled him out of the World Cup Qualifiers for England earlier this month. Lampard is now in danger of missing Chelsea's crucial clash with Manchester United Sunday.
"It's basically a recurrence of an old injury," Di Matteo said. "He was training with us fine and there were no alarm bells before the game. He was in good condition to play."
Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu hailed his side's performance, saying everything had gone according to plan. "The match panned out exactly as we would have hoped," he said. "Perhaps, it was one of our best games in recent times.
"It proves we're on the right track, we are still growing, our young players are maturing and gaining the necessary confidence. And I have to say that this Chelsea side are stronger than the one that won the UEFA Champions League last season.
"That's makes our victory is even more important. I believe we could've won by even more, but Petr Cech was really good in goal.
"I'm happy with our display. We attacked really well and stopped Chelsea from playing their football. We created plenty of chances but managed to score only twice. It is a very important win, but we haven't achieved anything yet.
"I'm sure Chelsea will be much better in London. Today they defended a lot, while in England they have a huge advantage over everybody else, avoiding any defeats this season. But I can't say what is better for us -- to play against a defensive side or an attacking one. It all depends on what is happening on the pitch."
