http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Di Matteo appointed assistant manager to Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea
Newly appointed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 boss Andre Villas-Boas has picked former West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo to be his assistant manager at Stamford Bridge.
After rumours suggesting Ray Wilkins would be recalled for the post, the 33-year-old Portuguese manager announced he had decided to appoint De Matteo as his second in command.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 international returns to Stamford Bridge as a part of the management team, having previously played for the Blues as a midfielder.
He was part of the Blues side from 1996 to 2002, having to retire at the age of 31 due to a triple leg fracture sustained in 2000.
The long-term injury kept him sidelined for over 18 months, during which time he decided to give up on a planned come-back and retire.
During his six years at Stamford Bridge, Di Matteo scored 26 goals in 175 appearances in the English Premier League.
He is most remembered by Chelsea supporters for the fact that he never lost to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
At around the time close to his retirement in 2002, Di Matteo was selected in Chelsea’s greatest ever XI, a big achievement.
The 41-year-old began his managerial career with Milton Keynes Dons, doing well to lead the League One side to a third place finish that season.
He then moved on to West Bromwich Albion as the Head Coach of the Championship club, leading them to a Premier League promotion in only his first season there.
His most memorable win with West Bromwich came against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 at the Emirates Stadium, which earned him the Premier League Manager of the Month award for that season.
However, unfortunately for Di Matteo, West Brom suffered a slump during the end of 2010, because of which he was sacked.
Statistics reveal that during his short reign as West Brom manager, Di Matteo had a win percentage of an estimated 50% which dropped down to 38% after he was sacked.
If Di Matteo had not been sacked after just the first half of the season, West Bromwich would have definitely managed a better finish to the season than their 11th place finish.
He now takes his place, second in command to former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 boss Andre Villas-Boas at the London club, as the Blues prepare for the season ahead.
While Villas-Boas is younger than Di Matteo, the Portuguese manager revealed his first Chelsea press conference that he did not expect to face any problems with the Italian.
He revealed how the former Chelsea midfielder was a popular choice with the Blues supporters, which was another reason why he expected him to do well at the London club.
After the pre-season tours and matches, the Blues begin their season with a clash against Stoke City in the English Premier League.
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