Chelsea axe Andre Villas-Boas

Chelsea have officially sacked Andre Villas-Boas less than a year into the job. Villas-Boas joined the Blues in a 15 million Euro deal last year from Porto, who he led to the Europa League and an unbeaten Portuguese league season. But Villas-Boas has struggled since returning to Stamford Bridge, and has today been relieved of his duties.

Roberto di Matteo will take charge of first team affairs until the end of the season.


"Andre Villa-Boas has parted company with Chelsea Football Club today," read a statement.


"The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early.


"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season.


"The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts.


"With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time.


"With immediate effect Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed first team coach on an interim basis until the end of the season."