• Premier League

Di Matteo quashes exit talk

November 26, 2011
Roberto di Matteo says all is well at Chelsea © Getty Images
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Chelsea assistant manager Roberto di Matteo has dismissed speculation he is unhappy with his role at Stamford Bridge, insisting that he enjoys a good relationship with manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Di Matteo started last season as manager of West Brom but was sacked in February to be replaced by Roy Hodgson.

The Italian joined Chelsea's backroom staff following Villas-Boas' appointment this summer, but reports this week suggested he had grown unhappy with life as the 34-year-old's deputy and was looking to leave.

The 41-year-old, who spent six years at the London club as a player, denied those reports on Saturday evening following the club's 3-0 win over Wolves, telling Chelsea's website: "I don't know where the story has come from. I am very happy here, very happy to work with Andre and the other technical staff.

"Andre and I have developed not only a professional partnership but over the months a friendship which will last forever. We have a strong friendship that we will keep. I think that says it all.

"I am committed to Chelsea. There were some enquiries about me and I was flattered but I politely declined because I am very happy where I am and want to be successful with this group and this club."

Villas-Boas, who is under pressure to lift the club from their current position of fifth in the Premier League, also poured scorn on the story.

"It's something completely out of this world," the Portuguese said. "I don't know how this story came from. It's completely wrong, a false story."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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