Di Matteo: My Chelsea future is ‘irrelevant’ until end of season

Roberto Di Matteo has once again refused to be drawn on his Chelsea future, insisting his position at the club is “completely irrelevant” until the end of the season.

The Italian, who took over from André Villas-Boas in March following the Portuguese coach’s dismissal, has masterminded a remarkable turnaround at Stamford Bridge, leading the Blues to FA Cup glory and into the Champions League final.

Calls for the interim boss to be handed the role on a permanent basis have heightened as a result of the 41-year-old’s impressive record since taking over – but Di Matteo gave nothing away when quizzed about the possibility of him being in charge next season.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in charge,” he said. “It’s been very challenging and hopefully we can round it up with a win.

“I feel part of this club [but] my position is completely irrelevant.

“We have to focus on the team, the players and what we are looking forward to in the next eight days.

“It’s not about me. I’m not important here. This is totally about the club, the players, the team and their focus to be able to finish the season with a big success.

“I’ve always had a good relationship with the fans. I’m an ex-player were and I’ve got a legacy. No one will ever take that away. [But] I’m just focused on doing my job until the last game and that’s all.”

Di Matteo admits that the Blues’ failure to finish in the top four is a major disappointment, but insists that winning the Champions League would turn an otherwise mixed campaign into a resounding success.

“We wanted to finish fourth as well,” said Di Matteo, whose side host relegated Blackburn in their final game of the season on Sunday. “We tried hard so that’s the disappointment.

“As a club, we always expect to be challenging at the top. It’s been a difficult season but we’ve still got two games and one that could potentially turn it into a great season.

“If we manage to win the final then it’s probably going to go down in history at this club and will make up for all the ups and downs we’ve had.

“It will qualify us for [the Champions League] next season as well so it would be the best outcome. If not, then you have to reassess the situation, I guess.”

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