Dynamo Moscow’s Dan Petrescu believes that Chelsea owner further damaged his reputation after sacking the Italian tactician from the English Premier League club in November
Dynamo Moscow head coach, Dan Petrescu, has hit out at Chelsea FC owner, Roman Abramovich, following Roberto Di Matteo sacking after saying that the Russian billionaire did not give the Italian manager enough time to prove himself
at Stamford Bridge.
The 42-year-old was sacked barely five months in-charge despite helping the Blues in winning their first major European trophy last year i.e. the UEFA Champions League. Chelsea shocked the world after defeating difficult opponents
such as SSC Napoli, SL Benfica and FC Barcelona on their route to the finals of the continental tournament.
Though the English outfit were least favourites to win the final against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena, the English club managed to win the respective tie on penalties after extra time courtesy to Di Matteo’s brilliant tactics
approach towards squad selection.
The former West Bromwich Albion manager, bring in quality players during his short tenure including Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata and Ramires from LOSC Lille, Internacional, Valencia CF and Benfica respectively.
However, Abramovich still sacked him despite his efforts and appointed former Liverpool FC boss, Rafael Benitez, at the helm. And there is little arguing to the statement that the managerial change has not yet paid off.
Petrescu, who joined the Moscow-based club after spending a wonderful Russian Premier League campaign with Kuban Krasnodar last year, is of the belief that Abramovich made a harsh decision to sack Di Matteo.
“I think that Abramovich made the wrong choice because Roberto did a great job there. He is really nice guy who deserved to stay. He served the club with full honesty both as a player and a coach and everyone can see that.”
“I am very sorry for him. Hopefully, Di Matteo will find a suitable place soon. the UEFA Super Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Petrescu played alongside Di Matteo when then manager, Ruud Gullit, signed the later at the East London Club back in 2006. The Dutch tactician signed Di Matteo from Lazio for a record 4.9 million Euro fee.