• Champions League

Di Matteo: I'm Roman's man not Guardiola

ESPN staff
November 7, 2012
Roberto Di Matteo is calm in the face of speculation about his future © Getty Images
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Roberto Di Matteo claims he has the full backing of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Di Matteo earned the Chelsea manager's job on a permanent basis when leading the Blues to Champions League glory last season.

His side made a bright start to the current Premier League campaign, but they have faltered in recent weeks and are also far from certain to reach the knockout stages of this season's Champions League.

Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has long been linked to Chelsea and his name has cropped up again in recent days. Di Matteo is aware of the speculation, but claims it is of no concern as he has the support of Abramovich.

"I fully feel the support from him (Abramovich) and the confidence from him," Di Matteo said ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. "It has been from day one that the speculation has been in the papers so it does not affect me too much.

"I have my own destiny in my hands and the club and the owner is behind it."

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