‘Thank you for sacking me’

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Chelsea’s Di Matteo convinced West Brom exit makes him stronger

Roberto Di Matteo

LONDON: Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo returned to former club West Bromwich Albion convinced that his sacking there last year strengthened his resolve and helped him become a European champion.

Di Matteo led West Brom to promotion to the Premier League in 2010 but was fired in February 2011, only to join the coaching ranks at ex-club Chelsea and eventually become manager in time to inspire their Champions League final triumph in May.

“Look at where I am sitting now – so I am not so sure it was such a bad thing,” the Italian told a news conference on Friday.

“In a manager’s career you are going to get the sack at some point if you have a long career and it makes you stronger.”

His predecessor Andre Villas-Boas, now with Tottenham, was dismissed in March after a defeat at West Brom.

Meanwhile, Chelsea captain John Terry will be sidelined for about three weeks after injuring his knee against Liverpool last weekend, Di Matteo revealed.

The former England defender had to be stretchered off after Liverpool striker Luis Suarez landed awkwardly on him during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. But scans revealed the damage was not as bad as feared.

“With JT, we’re looking at approximately three weeks,” Di Matteo said.

“Fortunately, it’s not as bad as we first thought.

“It’s an MCL (medial cruciate ligament) strain.”

Terry is likely to miss the forthcoming league games against Manchester City, Fulham and West Ham United.

A three-week period of unavailability would also prevent him from playing a part in Chelsea’s remaining Champions League Group E fixtures, including Tuesday’s crucial match at Juventus.

He risks missing out on Chelsea’s participation in the Club World Cup in Japan as well, with the London club expected to leave for the tournament on Dec 9. — AFP