supersport.com
Ex-Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo says he will return to football management in at least a year’s time.
The 2012 FA Cup and Champions League winning manager with Chelsea was on Tuesday in Kampala to launch a new fantasy game dubbed the Guinness Football Manager and share his skills with local coaches.
Despite winning the London club’s first ever and only Champions League title, Di Matteo, who replaced his former boss Andre Villas Boas, was relieved of his duties by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic.
The 43-year-old is, however, not about to go job hunting soon. “Of course I’m now looking forward to winning many more things ahead,” said the former Lazio and Chelsea midfielder.
“But I’m gonna take this year off. I’ve received many offers but I have to take a rest, regain all my energies before I return to coaching, at least in a year’s time.”
Di Matteo humorously and goodheartedly talked about his sacking, not holding grudges against Abramovic.
“Most successful managers have been sacked,” said the cheeky Italian, adding, “So I have great company there (smiles).
On his predecessor AVB, who was also sacked, and what inspired Chelsea to a double during his time, Di Matteo said: “AVB is a very good coach who was unlucky in not being able to follow his work through.
“Of course a double was down to hard work and experience. As a former player, I understand the mind of a player; that helped. But also to some degree AVB had a hand in our success.”