Capello emerges as a candidate to replace Di Matteo
THE MANAGERIAL uncertainty threatening to overshadow Chelsea’s bid for Champions League immortality escalated yesterday when former England boss Fabio Capello emerged as a candidate to replace Roberto di Matteo.
Italian media reported Capello had held talks with Blues chiefs about taking charge in the summer, when Di Matteo is expected to be relieved of his temporary post whether they beat Bayern Munich in tomorrow’s final or not.
The decorated 65-year-old, whose impeccable club CV includes seven league titles with three different teams in Italy and Spain, quit the England job in February after a row with the Football Association.
That dispute centred on his loyalty to Chelsea skipper John Terry, who was stripped of the national captaincy over racial abuse allegations, which he denies, and Capello has been out of work since.
Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is also thought to be on Blues owner Roman Abramovich’s shortlist, but the Spaniard, who resigned this month, has indicated he intends to take a sabbatical.
Di Matteo has led the team to the FA Cup and only their second ever Champions League final since taking the reins after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in March.