The dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo as the manager of Chelsea came after the team’s poor performance, particularly their 3-0 defeat against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Di Matteo, who had previously led Chelsea to victory in the Champions League last season, faced consequences for the team’s recent struggles.
The decision to part ways with Di Matteo was announced in a statement by Chelsea, stating that the recent performances were not up to par, and a change was deemed necessary. Chelsea’s owner, Roman Abramovich, has a history of making coaching changes when the team’s results do not meet expectations.
Following Di Matteo’s departure, the search for a new manager began, with Rafa Benitez and Avram Grant mentioned as possible interim solutions. The British press also speculated about the potential hiring of Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona coach, as a permanent replacement for Di Matteo. The situation highlighted the high expectations and pressure associated with managing a top-tier football club like Chelsea.