Champions League

John Terry: 'Di Matteo can't do any more than that'

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 19 May 2012

John Terry claims that Roberto Di Matteo deserves to be offered the Chelsea manager's job on a full-time basis following the club's Champions League triumph.

Chelsea captain John Terry has hailed caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo following the club's Champions League triumph.

The Italian took control at Stamford Bridge in March with the club seeming on the brink of European elimination following a 3-1 first-leg defeat to Napoli in the last 16.

However, he masterminded a 4-1 second-leg turnaround then dismissed the challenges of Benfica and Barcelona before overcoming Bayern Munich on penalties in tonight's final.

Terry, who was suspended this evening, said: "It's probably harder watching. The lads were fantastic from start to finish.

"When our backs are against the wall we step up to the mark. You look at that trophy and that's what we have wanted and what the owner wanted and Robbie has been superb. We have won the FA Cup and Champions League and [Roberto Di Matteo] can't do any more than that.

"It was do-or-die, win the competition or we would not have been in it next year and that was enough to motivate us before the match."

It was reported yesterday that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was willing to offer Di Matteo the Blues manager's job on a full-time basis if the club won the Champions League.