Di Matteo interviewed for Chelsea job after leading Blues to FA Cup final

By Sportsmail Reporter

Published: 04:20 EDT, 17 April 2012 | Updated: 04:20 EDT, 17 April 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has already been interviewed for the full-time Chelsea manager's job as the club look to explore all their options for a permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas.

According to The Daily Express Di Matteo has already spoken to technical director Michael Emenalo about taking the job beyond the end of the season.

And with a place in the FA Cup final secured, Di Matteo’s hand has already been strengthen, and could get even stronger if they were to knock out Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final and  secure a top four finish in the Premier League.

In the frame: Roberto Di Matteo has been interviewed for the Chelsea job

A Chelsea source said: ‘Michael Emenalo held an informal interview with Roberto about the permanent job. He is not the only person spoken to, but Emenalo has made it clear that Roberto is to be considered.’

 

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola and former Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho remain the top targets, but Emenalo is working hard to devise a Plan B for owner Roman Abramovich.

Just two weeks ago, Di Matteo had not been given any indication whether he would be considered as a long-term successor to Andre Villas-Boas.

But after being called in by Emenalo to discuss the club’s future, the caretaker was told he will feature on the list of candidates.

Leading the way: John Terry will lead Chelsea back out at Wembley for the FA Cup final

It is understood that Di Matteo confirmed to Emenalo he would relish any chance of promotion and underlined his desire to stay in management rather than drop back down to become a No2 or first-team coach.

Di Matteo is well aware Emenalo will give his recommendations to Abramovich, and that the Russian billionaire’s mind might already be made up. But he has impressed the hierarchy after guiding Chelsea to their FA Cup final while securing nine victories from his 12 games in charge.

'Roberto has to take a lot of the credit,' said midfielder Frank Lampard. 'He has done brilliantly and the results speak for themselves. You can see the desire and love he has for the club, and the supporters relate to that.

In it together: Frank Lampard celebrates helping Chelsea to the FA Cup final

'He has done the simple things right, and he has got individual players performing well and with real confidence. The basic skill of management involves man-management, and he has carried that out brilliantly, and you can see the whole side playing with a real confidence.

'When that happens, you have the chance of being a very strong team.'

Chelsea are doing their best to keep secret all negotiations over the next manager. But along with Di Matteo, their Plan B includes Laurent Blanc, Didier Deschamps and Joachim Low along with Bert van Marwijk.