In my opinion, the recent news regarding Di Matteo’s sacking from Chelsea is a disgrace. Despite a poor showing in Europe this season, the club aren’t sitting too badly in the league. Like many, I think this is just another rash decision made by owner Roman Abramovic.
After just eight months in charge, Di Matteo has lost his job. The 3-0 defeat to Juventus confirmed the end of this reign at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea lie on the brink of a Champions League exit.
Despite an impressive start to the season, the Blues have won two of their last eight games. They sit third in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Manchester City, who they host on Sunday.
Since taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2003, Abramovich has appointed nine managers in total. How can the club’s fans expect consistent form when the backroom staff keep changing? Clearly even Di Matteo’s Champions League win wasn’t enough to earn him more time at the club.
This just highlights the poor situation Chelsea find themselves in. No manager ever seems to match Abramovich’s expectations. Over the years, we’ve witnessed a number of world class coaches attempt to take the club to glory, most of whom have only lasted a year in charge. If Peter Hill-Wood (of Arsenal) took the same approach with the clubs management, Arsene Wenger would have lost his job years ago. In my opinion, stability is the key to success, look at United for example. Everton provided a similar case. Despite a number of low league finishes, Bill Kenwright has given David Moyes 100% backing since his career at the club began. Now Everton are a well-established top-six side and arguably, the Scot is the best manager in the league.
Regardless, the Blues will now be looking for Di Matteo’s successor. A number of names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge including Pep Gaurdiola. Abramovich is known to be a long-term admirer of the former Barca coach. However it is not known whether Guardiola is willing to end his sabbatical from football and Abramovich has made contact with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez to gauge his interest in taking charge on a short-term basis.