Di Matteo thinks number is up

Roberto Di Matteo is expecting to be axed at the end of the season even if Chelsea go on to win the Champions League.

The Italian has worked wonders since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas and after winning the FA Cup it was thought he would get the job on a permanent basis if he could add the Champions League as well. However it would appear that Roman Abramovich is planning to bring someone else in after Di Matteo received no encouragement from Blues officials when he started to make plans for pre-season. That could be a clear sign that Di Matteo will be moving on no matter what, news which is sure to disappoint the fans and indeed the players who have warmed to the Italian since he took over. "Robbie is determined to go for glory against Bayern, even though he's resigned to leaving regardless of what happens in Munich," A senior Chelsea source has been quoted as saying in the Sun. "He has tried to talk to the club's hierarchy about pre-season training for next season and been given very short shrift. That convinced him he really is just an 'interim' manager, filling the post until a full-time appointment can be made. "He's hugely disappointed after the miracles he has worked here since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas in March. Two Cup finals is an amazing success after inheriting that mess. "Di Matteo has the full support of all the players but, fundamentally, nothing has changed."