There shouldn’t be any debate: give Di Matteo Chelsea job now
CURRENTLY basking in the glory of their extraordinary Champions League success, Chelsea must feel on top of the world. Surely the last thing the club want is for the players to return in July for pre-season training in a state of disarray. So why are they even considering not appointing Roberto di Matteo manager? They’re in danger of creating a problem where there isn’t one.
I really can’t see how the interim coach’s promotion is even open to debate. He is clearly extremely popular with the players, having kept them happy and motivated since taking charge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas. He has handled himself with dignity, shown tactical innovation – oh, and he won the Champions League. It doesn’t get any better than that – I don’t care who you are.
It comes down to where Chelsea want to go from here. Presumably they’re keen to regain the Premier League title, which you might argue their squad is worse equipped for than cup competitions. Yet Di Matteo did well in the league when he took over, and if they faded it was partly because they had their eyes on Europe. In any case they might only need three new players, rather than the thorough overhaul some believe, and they don’t need a manager to lead that as Roman Abramovich dictates policy.
I don’t know who else Chelsea have realistically got in mind for the role, but I cannot see that there’s anyone better qualified than the Italian to take them into the new season. What’s more, getting rid of the first man to lead the club to the Champions League would send out a terrible signal to other bosses. Managers aren’t daft. It makes no sense for Abramovich and Chelsea to take a big-money risk on a big name when it might not work. It is clear to me they should end the wait and appoint Di Matteo now.
Trevor Steven is a former England footballer who played in two World Cups and two European Championships.