Zola backs Di Matteo for Blues post (From The Oxford Times)

Zola backs Di Matteo for Blues post

11:32am Thursday 24th May 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

Former Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola believes Italian compatriot Roberto Di Matteo is likely to remain in charge of the Blues next season.

Di Matteo took over from sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas in March and guided the London outfit to their maiden Champions League title, along with the club's seventh FA Cup triumph.

Zola, who has been linked in recent months with the managerial job at Stamford Bridge, expects Di Matteo to be appointed as the club's permanent manager. He told Italian radio station Radio Mana Mana Sport: "Right now it's premature to judge what will happen on the Blues' bench or what will be my future."

He added: "Di Matteo has done a great job with the Blues and I'm not that sure he will leave.

"For Chelsea, the (Champions League) final at the Allianz Arena was an extraordinary day. The atmosphere was unforgettable."

Zola, 45, has been out of a job since parting company with West Ham in May 2010.