Di Matteo 'extremely surprised' over axe

06 February 2011 18:08
Boss reveals disappointment over sacking Roberto Di Matteo has revealed his shock after being relieved of his first-team duties at the club. The Italian has been placed on gardening leave following yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City – Albion’s 13th defeat in their last 18 games. In his first statement since leaving the club, Di Matteo says he is “surprised and disappointed” about the decision and has thanked “the most loyal and fantastic fans”. Di Matteo engineered memorable wins at The Emirates and Goodison Park, as well as a credible draw at Old Trafford as he guided Albion to their best ever Premier League start. But the Baggies have slipped down the Premier League table and sit only a point above the relegation zone. The former MK Dons boss said winning promotion with the Baggies was a career highlight and had hoped to keep Albion in the league this season with important fixtures on the horizon. “I was extremely surprised and disappointed to be relieved of my duties today,” he said. “Winning promotion to the Barclays Premier League with West Brom last season was without doubt one of the highlights of my career and certainly my managerial career.  “Playing in this league is tough and we have had to compete against some fantastic sides but we have shown that we can compete with the best.  Apart from the first week of the season, the club has not been in the bottom three and has an important and crucial run of home fixtures coming up. I am disappointed that I don’t now have the chance to lead the team through this crucial period and keep them in the league.” Di Matteo went on to thank the players for their effort and attitude to the players during his time at The Hawthorns and reserved special praise the fans.   “I wish the players well over the coming weeks and I thank them for the hard work they have put in and the great attitude they have shown,” he added. “I would like to thank the staff at the club, it has been a pleasure to work with you, and of course I would like the thank the most loyal and fantastic fans at West Brom with whom I had a great relationship during my time at the club.”

Source: FOOTYMAD