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Di Matteo decision won't be made until summer

Roberto Di Matteo has led Chelsea to the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League © PA Photos

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Chelsea's chief executive Ron Gourlay has told Roberto Di Matteo that he will have to wait until the end of the season before finding out if he has earned the permanent manager's job at Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo has inspired an incredible turnaround in fortunes at Chelsea, who appeared to be heading out of the Champions League under Andre Villas-Boas after a 3-1 defeat at Napoli. The Italian turned that tie around and Tuesday's 2-2 draw in Barcelona booked their place in this year's final.

The stand-in Chelsea boss has also set up an FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool, yet he is currently only contracted to the club until the end of the season. Gourlay acknowledges the growing support for Di Matteo to take the role full-time, but he appeared to hint that no decision will be made before that Champions League final on May 19.

"That's a question that everybody asks," Gourlay told Sky Sports News. "From our point of view, we appointed Robbie until the end of the season, he's done a fantastic job, and we'll take one game at a time until the end of the season.

"That's the best thing for everyone; let's just focus on getting the results this club needs.

"I don't want to create any speculation, we just need to wait, we've got a number of big games before we even get to the Champions League final."

Gourlay did acknowledge the impact Di Matteo has had on the dressing room at Stamford Bridge, harmonising the big names to get them all pulling in one direction. The Chelsea chief pointed out the example of David Luiz who, despite not being involved, ran around the Camp Nou in celebration - potentially at the risk of aggravating his injury.

"Last night was the biggest night ever for me, during my time at the football club. We just need to go forward from here," Gourlay said.

"It's the team spirit, it's about the performances and results. The dressing room is fantastic at the moment. You saw David Luiz running all over the pitch at the end - we need him fit!"

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