Is Di Matteo the right man?

The identity of Chelsea‘s “new, permanent manager” has been for a long time, and will still be, one of the most intriguing matters of discussion. Simply because, it keeps coming up every other year!! So many managers tried, but failed to bring  home that holy piece of silverware, craved most by Roman Abramovich  - The UEFA Champions League. Eventually, Roberto Di Matteo somehow managed to engineer a defeat of Bayern Munich in their own backyard, but has it convinced Roman to appoint him on a permanent basis?

Should Roberto Di Matteo be given the role on a full time basis? Let’s look at the pros and cons, the positives first.

Why RDM should be given the job:

1. Status among the fans -

Roberto Di Matteo clearly has the respect and backing of most fans, from his playing days for Chelsea, scoring goals and anchoring the team. And, of course, who can forget that winning goal he scored in the FA Cup final (1999-2000)? He is worth being mentioned in the same breath as Gianfranco Zola as a Chelsea legend, isnt he? Even if he is appointed, and the team somehow loses form, he will still have the backing and the support of the fans, which would be a huge morale booster in times of struggle (just ask Andre-Villas Boas what would happen if fans start turning against you!).

2. Keeping everyone happy -

In this aspect, Di Matteo has been superb. Every player seemed willing to perform for the club, and contribute to its success, something alarmingly missing in Andre Villas Boas’ days. He got Fernando Torres scoring, and kept Didier Drogba  happy. The midfielders, despite being many in number, looked willing to step up and play at their best whenever asked to. These facts bear testament to the way he rotated his squad in the crunch period, which has saw him compelled to sit in the dugout nearly every 3 days, ever since being appointed, not something he would have envisaged for sure!

3. Winning the Champions League -

Finishing fourth was out of the question, after that horror show at Anfield. The only way Cheslea could get into next season’s Champions League was by winning it. They did that, realizing a long time dream for the Russian oligarch and the players & Di Matteo themselves.

Why RDM should not be given the job:

1. Poor league form-

Chelsea’s league form under RDM was ordinary. I say this because they failed to beat people around them in the table – Tottenham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, with a few draws against lesser teams. Other than the 6-1 win over QPR, there was nothing eye catching  and convincing about Chelsea. If this continues into next season should he be appointed, then, well, we all know what Roman does when league form falters!

2. Is he upto it, a long league campaign?

What, for some unfortunate reason, Terry, Lampard and Cole are not happy with him? Apparently, Eden Hazard is also a hot shot. Everything for RDM has been rosy, plainly because he has the respect of the seniors. What if he loses it? I do not see him handling all those egos. Its one thing being asked to step in and be asked to see out the season (which he did ever so spectacularly), managing on a permanent basis is quite another thing.

3. Pep Guardiola

Should Pep be interested, then there is no way Abramovich will snub him. With Pep promising tiki-taka, I seriously doubt whether RDM would stand a chance!

Its upto you readers, what do you think? Should he or shouldnt he?