Chelsea fires Roberto Di Matteo

November 21, 2012
By Associated Press
LONDON -- Six months after guiding Chelsea to an unlikely Champions League title, Roberto Di Matteo was fired Wednesday with the team on the brink of becoming the first defending champion eliminated from the group stage.

Di Matteo, who was hired on a permanent basis in June, was dismissed a day after a 3-0 loss to Juventus in Turin left Chelsea's title defense in tatters.

Chelsea also is struggling in the Premier League, having picked up just two points from its last four games ...

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CLAUDIO RANIERI (September 2000 to May 2004)

The first manager to spend Abramovich's billions was under pressure from day one amid rumours Sven-Goran Eriksson was being lined up to replace him. 'Tinkerman' tag did not help the Italian and, despite finishing second in the Premier League and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, he was sacked.


JOSE MOURINHO (June 2004 to September 2007)

Declared himself a 'Special One' and completely lived up to the moniker, becoming the most successful Chelsea manager ever. Immediately ended their 50-year wait for a league title with back-to-back Barclays Premier League crowns and also won the FA Cup and two Carling Cups. Champions League glory remained elusive and a power struggle with Abramovich eventually saw him leave.


AVRAM GRANT (September 2007 to May 2008)

Less than two months after arriving as director of football, Grant found himself parachuted into the manager's hotseat. Speculation was rife he did not have the backing of the dressing room but still managed to get the club to their only Champions League final. Also reached the Carling Cup final and finished second in the Premier League before sacking.


LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI (July 2008 to February 2009)

Billed as the man to inspire Chelsea to take final step in Champions League, World Cup-winner Scolari enjoyed a flying start but things soon began to go wrong amid rumours of dressing-room unrest. The timing of the Brazilian's sacking after just seven months still came as shock.


GUUS HIDDINK (February 2009 to May 2009)

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