Just a normal day at Chelsea, says Villas-Boas

The decision by Chelsea's hierarchy to sack manager Roberto Di Matteo and replace him with Rafael Benitez on Wednesday was described by the Italian's predecessor Andre Villas-Boas as "just another day at the office" at Stamford Bridge.

Di Matteo's exit, six months after winning the FA Cup and Champions League as caretaker manager in the wake of Villas-Boas's dismissal, had many shaking their heads in disbelief but the Portuguese, now at Tottenham Hotspur, was not surprised.

"It's their decision, it's what they think will take them forward," Villas-Boas, who replaced Harry Redknapp at Tottenham in the summer, told the BBC.

"At Chelsea, I think another sacking is just like any other day at the office. That's my interpretation."

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now ended the reign of eight managers since taking control of the club, although Di Matteo's has in some ways been the most shocking after taking the club to the 'Holy Grail' of Europe's top club prize.

"He has achieved so much in such a little amount of time," Villas-Boas, who worked alongside Di Matteo during his short spell in charge at Chelsea, added.

"His CV is maybe one of the best in the world now - he has won the Champions League and the FA Cup too.

"It was difficult for Robbie and I wish him well for the rest of his career."

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