Di Matteo unfazed by Guardiola speculation

The word around Stamford Bridge last night, as Chelsea prepared for their biggest game of a tumultuous season, was that owner Roman Abramovich still wants Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to be his latest managerial acquisition in time for next season.

That gossip did not seem to bother interim first-team coach Roberto Di Matteo, who is within genuine sight of transforming Chelsea’s year from an all-time low under the Russian’s stewardship to his greatest yet.

It is a month since Di Matteo was promoted to lead the Chelsea side in the wake of Abramovich’s decision to sack Andre Villa-Boas after a run of six defeats in eight games, including a 3-1 first leg Champions League defeat away to Napoli.