And so he finally got the axe. This morning, English Premiership giants Chelsea dramatically sacked Italian gaffer Roberto Di Matteo just six months after leading the club to their greatest ever triumph – the European Champions League.

Temperamental Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had reluctantly handed Di Matteo, who joined the club as caretaker coach in March, a two-year contract but perceptive football analysts knew he would sack him at the least opportunity. The moment finally came following Chelsea’s failure to advance beyond the Champions League first round after losing 0-3 away to Juventus last night in Italy. With his ouster, Chelsea are now searching for their ninth manager since Abramovich purchased the club nine years ago, in 2003. To date, only Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti have survived more than one season.

Chelsea’s statement shortly after 9 a.m. announcing Di Matteo’s exit said: “Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with Manager Roberto Di Matteo. 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.”

•Photo, courtesy Daily Telegraph of UK: Di Matteo.

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