Chelsea fires coach Roberto Di Matteo

Chelsea this morning fired its coach just a day after another loss in the Champions League. Full statement on Roberto Di Matteo's departure below...

Chelsea Football Club has parted company this morning with Manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner
and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season.

More after the cut...

The club faces a difficult task ahead in qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as well as maintaining a strong challenge for the top of the Premier League while competing in three other cup competitions. Our aim is to remain as competitive as possible and challenge strongly on all fronts.

The owner and the Board would like to thank Roberto for all he has done for the club since taking over in March. Roberto helped guide us to an historic Champions League victory and a seventh FA Cup. We will never forget the huge contribution he has made to this club's history and he will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager.

Is this not the same coach that helped them win the Champions league last season? This Roman Abramovich head no correct sha. There are rumours that Rafa Benitez is being lined up to replace Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea. Do you support the sack?