Di Matteo eighth Chelsea manager sacked since 2003

Chelsea have parted ways with Roberto di Matteo, a club statement said. There was intense speculation over the future of the Italian manager after Chelsea’s recent performances left them with just two wins in the last eight matches. More importantly, the Champions League defeat to Juventus on Tuesday night leaves them on the brink of elimination from the competition — and perilously close to becoming the first defending champion to exit at the group stage. A club statement on their website read: “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. [caption id=“attachment_530441” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  There was intense speculation over the future of the Italian manager after Chelsea’s recent performances. Getty Images[/caption] 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.”