Aston Villa announce Roberto Di Matteo as their new manager – Twitter reacts

Add as preferred source on Google

Aston Villa have made their first major announcement since the prospective Chinese takeover by Dr. Tony Xia in the form of making former Champions League winner Roberto Di Matteo their new manager.

The 46-year-old had been out of management for a year after resigning as the boss of German side Schalke, but boasts a vast amount of experience, from getting West Bromwich Albion promoted to winning the Champions League with Chelsea.

Di Matteo, who hails from Italy, succeeds former French manager Remi Garde who failed to impress at the helm of Villa Park. The Italian will be assisted by his former team mate Steve Clarke, who was once assistant manager to Jose Mourinho and has experience at both the highest level as well as the Championship.

Clarke will be tasked with dealing with the underachieving squad and making sure that they are in the correct mindset for the upcoming season, as well as pairing up with Di Matteo to get rid of of under performing players on long contracts, such as former club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has not impressed fans on and off the pitch this season.

Aston Villa are tipped by many to be able to return to the Premier League with their first time of asking, but with Rafa Benitez remaining at Newcastle as well as a host of other teams gradually pushing for promotion, it may be harder than it initially seems.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the news:

Many were impressed at the prospects for the future:

Some however were a little more skeptical:

While some continued to poke fun at the relegated side, including their own fans:

And others were quick to point out the manager’s pedigree:

Featured image: All rights reserved by dismore