Di Matteo silent on his future with Chelsea

By NESHA STARCEVIC

AP Sports Writer

Associated Press Sports

updated 7:39 p.m. ET May 19, 2012

MUNICH (AP) -After leading Chelsea to the biggest trophy in club football, Roberto di Matteo's future as manager of the London club is still in doubt.

Di Matteo had a conversation with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after the team's penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final Saturday, but he would not disclose what he discussed with the Russian billionaire.

"What was discussed with the boss we don't disclose publicly," Di Matteo said after Chelsea lifted the title for the first time. "He looked very happy.

"The only thing I know is that I am capable of going on holiday, it's been a challenging three months," he added.

"Whatever the future holds for me I'd be happy, whatever the club decides I'll respect it."

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes knew what he'd do if he were in Abramovich's position.

"If I were the owner, I'd give him a three-year contract," Heynckes said after the match.

Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003, but the London club had been unable to win the Champions League until Di Matteo's brief - and officially temporary - tenure.

The Italian-born, 41-year-old Di Matteo took over when Andre Villas-Boas was fired following a 3-1 loss to Napoli in the round of 16 in March.

"Nobody could have predicted this, the last three months, to finish like this is incredible. Football is like life, unpredictable and crazy," he said. "It's a great achievement."

Chelsea also won the FA Cup, but finished sixth in the Premier League. By winning the Champions League Chelsea has qualified for next season's competition.

"It's a huge difference, we've always said that playing in the Champions League was crucial," Di Matteo said. "I don't know what the future holds, it's the first time we won and it's a very difficult competition to win."

Di Matteo praised the "passion and heart" of his players, especially after Bayern went ahead in the 83rd minute through Thomas Mueller, before Didier Drogba equalized in the 88th.

"Going into extra time, we had a good feeling," Di Matteo said.

With four players suspended and two defenders racing against time to overcome injuries, "it was not ideal preparation for a Champions League final."

Drogba's contract ends next month and he could also be on the way out.

"It's a conversation the club will have with the player. He's been a fantastic server of the club for eight years. But it was a great team effort tonight," Di Matteo said.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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