LONDON (Sporting Alert) — Chelsea have announced they have fired manager Roberto Di Matteo, a day after the Premier League side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League.
Chelsea, the defending champions in Europe, are close to making an exit from the tournament, while the Blues have also failed to record a victory in their last four Premier League games.
“Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with manager Roberto Di Matteo,” Chelsea said in a statement on the club’s official website at www.chelseafc.com.
“The team’s recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season.
“The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.
“The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup.
“We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club’s history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.
“The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.”
It is being reported that former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who has been out of management since leaving the Spanish club, is the main target for Chelsea.
There are also reports suggesting that former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is also on the list, as the Blues look to get the best out of Fernando Torres once again.
at least torres may back to form with benitez.