Roberto Di Matteo was sacked by Aston Villa on Monday after just 12 matches in charge of the troubled Championship club.Di Matteo was hired by Villa’s new Chinese owner Tony Xia in
June
and the former Chelsea boss was expected to lead his side into the
Premier League.
Villa are playing in the second tier for the first time
since 1988 following last season’s relegation, but they have struggled
to show any improvement under Di Matteo despite splashing out on several
expensive new signings.
Saturday’s woeful 2-0 defeat at Preston, which ended with
Villa booed off by their furious fans, proved the final straw and 48
hours later the Italian’s 124-day reign was over.
“Aston Villa Football Club has today parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo,” a statement read.
“The club decided to act following a run of disappointing
results which has left the team occupying 19th position in the
Championship.
“The Club would like to place on record its appreciation to
Roberto for all his efforts in helping rebuild the squad and wish him
well for the future.”
Di Matteo won only one of his 11 Championship fixtures, while also crashing out of the League Cup against fourth tier Luton.
The 46-year-old leaves with Villa languishing just two
points above the relegation zone in 19th place after a nine-match
winless run.
Steve Clarke will take over as Villa’s caretaker manager
while the club begin their search for a replacement during the
international break.
Former Hull boss Steve Bruce, Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
and Brentford chief Dean Smith are among the early contenders to succeed
Di Matteo.
AFP
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