Chelsea set to Appoint Di-Matteo as Manager

Chelsea are expected to confirm the permanent appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as manager this week.

The Italian's representatives spent the weekend in talks with Chelsea officials and the 41-year-old has been assured he is the man Roman Abramovich wants.

Di Matteo has agreed to accept the position in principle and the remaining contractual issues are expected to be ironed out this week.

It is thought Chelsea are likely to wait until Di Matteo is back in London before making an official announcement.

Di Matteo was appointed interim coach following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in March.

He led Chelsea to a historic Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich last month and also lifted the FA Cup as he lost just three out of 21 matches to restore much-needed pride to Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo's case was strengthened by the willingness of the senior players to see him handed the chance to build on last season's triumphs.

One issue that remains unresolved, however, is the length of the contract.

Di Matteo had expressed a reluctance to accept a short-term deal, fearing it would affect his authority at the club and his ability to make long-term decisions.

It is now thought the most likely scenario will see both parties agree to a longer contract with a clause that would allow either to break it after 12 months.

Di Matteo's case was strengthened by the willingness of the senior players to see him handed the chance to build on last season's triumphs.

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Chelsea have appointed Roberto Di Matteo their permanent manager on a two-year contract.

Di Matteo was made interim coach following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in March, leading the club to Champions League and FA Cup victories.

"We all achieved incredible success last season that made history for this great club," said the 42-year-old. "Our aim is to continue building on that and I'm already looking forward to the squad's return for pre-season."

According to Phil McNulty Chief football writer, BBC Sport "Roman Abramovich may have wanted to appoint former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola as the permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea manager - but who can argue that Roberto Di Matteo deserves a two-year deal after winning the Champions League and the FA Cup?

"The Italian brought order to Chelsea's tactics and unity to a fractured dressing room. He brought the so-called 'old guard' back onside after the turbulence of the Villas-Boas era and produced the finest reference he could by beating holders Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final then winning the trophy against Bayern Munich in their own Allianz Arena.

"Di Matteo now faces the different challenge of a long-term appointment. He can approach the task with the confidence his successes have given him and with the goodwill of fans given the highest high by Chelsea's Champions League success."

Di Matteo's managerial record

Milton Keynes Dons 2008-09

    52 games - 27 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats

West Bromwich Albion 2009-11

    83 games - 40 wins, 19 draws and 24 defeats

Chelsea (interim) 2012

    21 games - 13 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats


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But really,he deserved it.

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