Di Matteo looks good to outlast predecessor as Chelsea boss
Published:After delivering Chelsea’s much sought-after maiden Champions League success, Roberto Di Matteo is now set to be named the full-time manager of the club, and is 1/2 to last beyond Christmas.
Di Matteo, thought to initially be viewed as a stop-gap appointment by Roman Abramovich, has persuaded the owner he is worthy of a chance as manager on a permanent basis.
This comes in light of an FA Cup triumph in addition to their European success, and Di Matteo is also a 6/4 shot to last longer than Andre Villas-Boas did last season.
Portuguese coach Villas-Boas was relieved of his duties in February of last year, and with Di Matteo set to sign a one-year contract with the option of another year, this looks a terrific bet.
He has already proved a popular presence amongst the Chelsea squad, with a greater unity evident in their performances since his appointment on an interim basis last term.
That, along with the fact that Abramovich’s first-choice candidate Pep Guardiola is taking a year-long sabbatical from the game, makes it seem likely that Di Matteo will see out at least the first year of his deal.
Meanwhile, the Italian is just 1/1 to add to his trophy haul in charge of the Blues next season.
After attaining domestic and European glory when at the helm for only three months during the last campaign, that could prove worthy of investment, especially considering the strengthening of the Chelsea squad this summer.
The Blues, aided by new signings Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, are 9/2 to lift a fourth Premier League title next season, and a major trophy would likely be needed to see Abramovich take up the option of a second year on Di Matteo’s deal.
They are 10/1 to claim the Champions League for the second consecutive year also, but could prove a better bet to land any trophy at those odds of 1/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
