Di Matteo performance wins him support for permanent Chelsea job
Published:Though Andre Villas-Boas had lost much support as Chelsea manager, few could have predicted his interim replacement Roberto Di Matteo would have such an impact, leading to his 1/1 price to land the job permanently.
Di Matteo has galvanised what looked a disjointed squad under Villas-Boas, and the results he has achieved are telling.
From overcoming a Champions League first leg deficit to Napoli, to a comfortable FA Cup semi-final success over Tottenham, Di Matteo has led the Blues to improved fortunes across a range of competitions.
It is widely reported that Roman Abramovich sees the Champions League as somewhat of a holy grail, and Chelsea’s march to the final of that tournament seems the most encouraging point for punters to consider, should they back Di Matteo to get the job permanently at 1/1.
A potential meeting with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho awaits after the Blues conquered current European champions Barcelona, and the current Real Madrid manager comes second in the betting to make a sensational Stamford Bridge return at 5/1.
Mourinho has long outlined a desire to return to English football one day, and with his side looking certainties for La Liga success, and still in with a chance of clinching a tenth European title, he could choose to exit the Bernabeu in a blaze of glory.
Rafael Benitez is a 6/1 option to become Abramovich’s next appointment meanwhile, and his Champions League pedigree will attract the Russian owner, who is also yet to appoint an English manager at Stamford Bridge.
A more preferable option could be 9/1 France coach Laurent Blanc, who fits the mould of a young, foreign boss with an impressive track record in his relatively infantile career.
Roberto Di Matteo fits that bill also though, and as a club legend popular amongst players and fans alike, victory in the Champions League would surely certify his position at the helm of the Blues.
With that in mind, the 1/1 price about him being named permanent Chelsea manager may not be available for long.
