INTERVIEWS
Exclusive interview: Chelsea’s Roberto Di Matteo
It’s been a year of surprises for Roberto Di Matteo. The Italian was relieved of his duties as West Brom manager in January, despite getting them promotion to the Premier League the summer before. And then an offer arrived out of the blue to assist new Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge. As the former Chelsea midfielder tells Life’s A Pitch in this exclusive interview, it was an offer he wasn’t going to pass up.
Roberto, what was it that made you give up management to become assistant coach for Chelsea?
I’m 41 and having managed MK Dons and then West Bromwich Albion, I must admit I was hoping for another manager position, perhaps in the Premier League or in the Championship where I did well, too. Nothing was happening in that regard so when Chelsea’s proposal to be André Villas-Boas’ assistant came along, I was happy to accept it. I always hoped to return to Stamford Bridge one day, but you never know when, and what the future holds. I always thought it was my destiny to come back here to Chelsea, and after almost 10 years, it’s a fantastic feeling. I spent a good part of my career here and I have great memories and many friends, so for me it is like a second home.
What was the thinking behind Villas-Boas’ ‘10 Commandments’ to the players?
To win trophies at the highest level, the small details are so important and André is a guy who always takes care of every little detail. In the past, there have been some situations at this club, even small ones that have not necessarily been serious, but they still brought problems and unpleasant moments. We just tried to write a code of conduct that the players of Chelsea must follow. In a club, especially at the highest level like Chelsea, there must be rules to follow and they apply to everyone.
Are you the buffer between the players and the manager, someone that can have a laugh with them?
Perhaps you should ask the boys about that! I generally get along with everyone, but always in respect of their roles and who they are as people. Maybe with me the players feel less in awe, because some of them maybe remember me as a player, and I think this helps in some ways. Unlike those who did not play top-level football, players cannot take the mickey out of me too much on the training pitch. When I kick a football, I’m still able to send it where I want it to go (laughs) and the players respect that. When you work in an environment that’s highly competitive like this, a “take it easy” approach helps everyone and I try to bring that.
How are you getting on with André?
We share the same football philosophy and that’s why he wanted me to be part of his staff. We both feel strong and happy with how it’s going and I thank him for thinking of me and believing I was suited for this role. I am very happy to work with him. From the first conversation we had, there was a powerful link and a good understanding. It was a very natural involvement. When you meet someone, from the first impression you can figure out if you will immediately get on or not, and it was very positive.
How will it work behind the scenes between the pair of you?
André is going to be in charge and we are going to work the way he thinks is right to be successful. For me it’s an ultimate challenge. I was a manager and I know what it means to make the decisions but now I have to accept I don’t have the final say. I’ve been a coach before though, and now I am here to help André and the rest of the staff. I want provide a great contribution towards winning trophies because at Chelsea you ‘have’ to win.
Does the fact you’re both young make a difference to the players?
It helps of course, but we cannot be too close to the players. During the season there are times when you have to make choices or decisions that, as a friend, you would not do or want to do but which have to be made for the good of the team and the club. It’s up to people to draw the line of professionalism. This applies to everyone, everywhere.
Which match are you most looking forward to this season, and why?
Manchester United is the first that comes to my mind because you know immediately that against the Premier League champions those matches will be important in the fight for this year’s title. Manchester City will be a huge clash too because as well as their threat, there is also the challenge of trying to beat my compatriot Roberto Mancini. As for me, then, of course I’d like to beat my former team, WBA. I was extremely surprised and disappointed to be relieved of my duties there.
What did you learn most from your time as manager of West Brom?
I have learned once again that in football you can never be sure of anything. Everyone said West Brom do not sack managers, you see – and I was only the fourth boss they had had in nearly 11 years – but I still went. Football is the same all over the world and when results do not go your way you will lose your job. But I am still grateful to WBA because they gave me a chance to manage in the Premier League. I learned to handle big names and occasions, I had great teams and great players. I can only say thank you to WBA.
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