Arsenal's Wenger slams Abramovich over di Matteo sacking

Gunners boss 'surprised' Benitez accepted short-term deal

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  • AFP
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger takes his seat before the start of the UEFA Champions League group B match at the Emirates Stadium, North London on November 21, 2012. (AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accused Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich of failing to show loyalty to Roberto di Matteo after the Italian was sacked just months after winning the Champions League.

Abramovich displayed his ruthless side once again on Wednesday as he axed di Matteo following a poor recent run that saw the Blues surrender their position on top of the Premier League and left them in severe danger of failing to reach the Champions League knockout stages.

But the decision surprised and saddened Wenger, who claimed di Matteo deserved more time to get things back on track after leading Chelsea to their first ever Champions League triumph, as well as winning the FA Cup, during his spell as caretaker boss last season.

"I find it surprising and very sad personally. I believe it is important on our side to show loyalty," Wenger said after his side's 2-0 Champions League win over Montpellier on Wednesday.

"Di Matteo came in in a difficult situation and won the Champions League and FA Cup.

"He did well and there wasn't even any time this season. It is a complete surprise and very sad news."

Wenger was also surprised Rafael Benitez agreed to replace di Matteo on a short-term contract.

Benitez was appointed as Chelsea's interim manager just hours after Abramovich sacked di Matteo following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Juventus.

But the former Liverpool, Inter Milan and Valencia coach is in charge only until the end of the season and Wenger believes a manager with his CV should have been looking for a permanent deal.

"It is a surprise as well. Benitez is a guy with a good record and a manager of stature," Wenger said.

"It is a surprise he is appointed for such a short time and I'm surprised he accepted it."
 

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  • prince 22 November 2012 10:35 0 0
    chelsea owner was harsh on RDM. RDM is a great coach

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  Team P W D L GD PTS
1 = Man Utd 38 28 5 5 43 89
2 = Man City 38 23 9 6 32 78
3 = Chelsea 38 22 9 7 36 75
4 = Arsenal 38 21 10 7 35 73
5 = Tottenham 38 21 9 8 20 72
6 = Everton 38 16 15 7 15 63
7 = Liverpool 38 16 13 9 28 61
8 = West Brom 38 14 7 17 -4 49
9 = Swansea 38 11 13 14 -4 46
10 = West Ham 38 12 10 16 -8 46
11 = Norwich 38 10 14 14 -17 44
12 = Fulham 38 11 10 17 -10 43
13 = Stoke 38 9 15 14 -11 42
14 = Southampton 38 9 14 15 -11 41
15 = Aston Villa 38 10 11 17 -22 41
16 = Newcastle 38 11 8 19 -23 41
17 = Sunderland 38 9 12 17 -13 39
18 = Wigan 38 9 9 20 -26 36
19 = Reading 38 6 10 22 -30 28
20 = QPR 38 4 13 21 -30 25

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