Chelsea's interim boss Roberto Di Matteo is a man charged with reviving the flagging fortunes of the Blues.
Two wins in two games since the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, is a great start but the Italian remains pragmatic.
"It was just three points," he said.
"I am just focussing on the positives. Stoke were difficult, even with 10 men ( following the red card for Ricardo Fuller's stamp on Branislav Ivanovic) they played with two banks of four in front of their goal. Plus they were time-wasting from the first minute. "The scoreline could have being higher, we hit the woodwork three times too." Di Matteo dropped Juan Mata to the bench.
"I thought it was going to be a very physical game, " said Di Matteo by way of an explanation.
"So I wanted physical players in the team. I was not keeping him fresh for the Napoli game - in fact I wasn't thinking of them at all.
"I was pleased that in the last two games we have kept two clean sheets, that will give us more confidence."
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League encounter against Napoli, Di Matteo said: " We will need to put on a great performance and Mata could be an influential player for us.
"I have 25 players fully fit. I'll have to leave some out. Napoli have some experienced players, but we will make it as difficult as possible for them.
"I hope our greater experience will help us get the goals needed.We have to believe we can turn the game around. We will put out a balanced side against Napoli, a balance between defence and attack because Napoli are a threat on the counter-attack."
"It's a case of picking a team for a particular match. That's why Florent Malouda was not involved today, but he will be needed in the future."
Qualification for next season's Champions League in the balance and Di Matteo is fully aware that the club needs to get into fourth place at least in the league.
"Today's three points is a step in the right direction," he said.
"Sometimes you have to win in a scruffy manner that's not always pretty.
"We have 10 games to go in the league and we have to get as many points as possible and see where we are at the end of the season."
Di Matteo would not comment on the ongoing lack of progress on Didier Drogba's contract.
The Ivory Coast striker is out of contract at the end of the season.
"It's not up to me to discuss Drogba's contract," said Di Matteo.
"It's up to the clubs decide when the time is right."
Asked what he did this week that was different to before, Di Matteo was equally pragmatic.
"This week I spoke to the players individually. To make sure that they achieve the targets for the remainder of the season.
That's the most important aspect." Di Matteo also hailed the quick turn from keyhole surgery of skipper John Terry: "We are pleased JT is back," he said.
Source: FOOTYMAD
