• Premier League

Poyet: Di Matteo's sacking worrying

ESPN staff
November 30, 2012
Gus Poyet is unhappy at how Di Matteo was dismissed © Getty Images
Enlarge

Brighton and Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet says former Chelsea team-mate Roberto Di Matteo's sacking is a "wake-up call" for all managers.

The pair played together for four years at Stamford Bridge, lifting the FA Cup in 2000 thanks to a Di Matteo goal in the final against Aston Villa.

And following retirement from playing they both took up the managerial reins, Di Matteo at MK Dons and Poyet in Brighton.

While Di Matteo was fast-tracked back to Chelsea in 2011 as an assistant manager under Andre Villas-Boas before taking the top job and leading the club to Champions League glory in May, Poyet's path has been more low-key.

But following promotion from League One in 2011, the Gulls are now flying high in the Championship in seventh ahead of their trip to second-placed Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Yet Poyet admits that the nature of the Italian's sacking has even got him looking over his shoulder.

"When I heard about Roberto there was surprise, sadness, disappointment," Poyet said.

"I didn't expect it and it is a wake-up call for managers because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. It was totally unexpected."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close