Managers rally behind Di Matteo

Premier League managers have aired their opinions about the sacking of Chelsea’s Roberto Di Matteo.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was shocked by the decision taken by Chelsea’s owner Roman Abramovich.

“Di Matteo has come in a difficult situation and he has won the Champions League and FA Cup. He has done well and wasn’t given any time, at all, this season. It’s a complete surprise to me,” he said.

Despite his shock at the appointment, Wenger was surprised that at the length of contract given to Di Matteo’s replacement.

“Rafael Benitez is a guy with a record, a manager with a stature. And it is a surprise that he has been appointed for such a short time,” he said.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho sympathised with Di Matteo.

“I am never happy when a manager is sacked (Roberto Di Matteo). Never happy because it can happen to them and it can happen to me,” he said.

One man who knows exactly how Di Matteo feels is Andre Villas-Boas.

Sacked by Abramovich after 257 days, five fewer than his predecessor lasted, the Spurs head coach believes Di Matteo can bounce back.

“I think most of the managers who’ve recently left that club (Chelsea) have moved on to a new position. We’re grateful, most of us, for having been through that club and that experience, now, all of us are in different situations and working in other clubs using that experience,” Villas-Boas said.

Benitez’s reign begins with one of the toughest challenges of all – welcoming unbeaten Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.