Chelsea opt to axe Di Matteo

Chelsea have sacked manager Roberto Di Matteo after a 3-0 Champions League defeat at Juventus left the holders close to exiting the competition.

The Blues have suffered a slump in form in recent weeks, winning just once in their last five games, and Di Matteo has paid the price despite leading the club to FA Cup and Champions League glory a matter of months ago.

A statement from the Blues read: "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.

"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."

Di Matteo took charge at Stamford Bridge in March following the exit of Andre Villas-Boas and was able to guide the club to their first-ever Champions League triumph.

This season Chelsea started brightly, but they have since dropped off the pace in the Premier League, currently lying four points behind leaders Manchester City.

The Blues are now 5/1 to win the league title, with City 13/10 and Manchester United 5/4.

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