Chelsea set manager deadline

Chelsea have announced they intend to appoint a fulltime manager by June 18, with caretaker Roberto Di Matteo among the candidates.

Former Chelsea player Di Matteo has guided the team to a sensational double of FA Cup and Champions League success since taking over sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas in March.

The Italian, who was sacked by West Bromwich Albion in February 2011 despite guiding the club into the English Premier League, claims to be unconcerned about the speculation regarding the managerial vacancy at Stamford Bridge.

“I don’t know what the future’s going to hold,” he said, speaking after Chelsea’s penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Saturday.

“We are just very happy tonight to have made history for this club – it’s the first time we have won this competition. And it’s very difficult to win it.”

“It’s irrelevant – I said it in the last few months, I’ve been happy with the role I’ve been given, and whatever the future holds for me I will accept it.”

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard would not be drawn on the issues, preferring to heap praise upon Di Matteo’s achievements during his brief spell in charge.

“I think he deserves immense credit whatever (happens),” Lampard said.

“This moment’s not the time to answer that question. It’s for the club and him to decide.

“But what a turn-around the fella’s done. Incredible achievement by himself. He has to take credit. There are a lot of people who have to take credit. But he’s quietly done his business.

“No-one would believe it. They’d laugh at you when he took the job that we’d be where we are now. We were probably looking at mid-table but Robbie’s changed it around.”