By Ben Smith BBC Sport
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. The former West Brom manager returns from a family holiday on Wednesday. It is thought Chelsea are likely to wait until Di Matteo is back in London before making an official announcement.
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. The former West Brom manager returns from a family holiday on Wednesday. It is thought Chelsea are likely to wait until Di Matteo is back in London before making an official announcement.
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
Good. About time for the right decision.
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