It’s been almost two years since Roberto di Matteo last stood on the touchline to manage a football team. In November 2012, he suffered the sack under Roman Abramovich at Chelsea and was replaced by Rafael Benitez. Up until June 2014, Di Matteo received £130K per week from the Blues as compensation.
From being the happiest unemployed man alive during the past couple of years, the 44-year-old Italian has now become Jens Keller’s successor at Schalke 04. Via Die Königsblauen’s official website, Sporting Director Horst Heldt explained the choice to part company with Keller:
“The team’s performances in recent weeks have varied greatly. […] We’re lacking the consistency needed in order to achieve our goals. That’s why we have decided to take this step.”
“By changing the manager, we want to create new momentum,” he added.
“We’re utterly convinced that Roberto Di Matteo will stabilise the team and achieve our goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League.”
Roberto di Matteo is the only coach to have guided Chelsea all the way to Champions League glory – a feat that European football expert Jose Mourinho is yet to emulate with the London side. Will he teach Mou a few lessons when both will clash in Gelsenkirchen?
Schalke 04 are set to host Chelsea on November 25, on Matchday 5 of the Champions League. They will fancy their chances of beating the Blues following their exploit at Stamford Bridge on Matchday 1, when a 92nd minute equalizer from Klaas Jan Huntelaar denied the Blues from taking maximum points.
Inevitably, the hype ahead of Schalke vs Chelsea will be centred on the duel between former Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo and current coach Jose Mourinho. Watch out for mind games.
Before this thrilling clash, however, the Germans will first host Maribor and face Portuguese side Sporting CP in a double-header. As of now, Group G remains tight with three points separating all four teams. Meanwhile, in the Bundesliga, Schalke are struggling in 11th position with 12 goals conceded and 11 scored in seven games.
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