Has Roberto Di Matteo been sacked from his role as Chelsea manager?

Alex Blower:

Roberto Di Matteo has parted company with Chelsea following the club’s 3-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin which leaves the club on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.

The decision also follows a run of results which have seen the club pick up just two wins in their last eight competitive games.

Rafa Benitez has reportedly been contacted by club owner Roman Abramovich, who is considering appointing the Spaniard on a short-term basis.

A statement from Chelsea said: “The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first-team manager.

“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.

“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.”