Source: PA
Di Matteo ready for tough start
West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he could not have been handed a more daunting introduction to Barclays Premier League management as he prepares to face champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
As if that was not bad enough for Di Matteo, Albion's next three away games are at Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Despite that tough start, Di Matteo, twice an FA Cup winner with Chelsea, is upbeat in his ambition for Albion to get rid of their reputation as a yo-yo club after being promoted or relegated six times in the last nine seasons.
Although only in his third year as a manager, Di Matteo feels Albion have the ability to avoid relegation and eventually establish themselves in the Premier League.
Di Matteo said: "I want to stay positive and believe we can stay up and remain up in the future. That is my personal aim, the players' aim and the club's aim.
"I am very pleased with the group of players I have. They have been fantastic to me. Last season they gave me everything with effort and commitment. But I do believe that we need to add a bit more competition, quality and experience to our team because we cannot dip into the loan market."
