Football: Di Matteo content with Pressure

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo insists he can handle the pressure of being permanent boss and believes he is capable of leading Chelsea to a sport betting odds-defying Premier League title success in 2012/13.
The former Blues midfielder was handed a two-year deal last month following an incredible spell as caretaker manager. The Italian lifted the spirits of an underachieving squad and led them to Champions League and FA Cup glory.

Despite achieving what no Chelsea manager had done before him, Di Matteo was not guaranteed the job at the end of the season. It has also been suggested ex-Barcelona boss Guardiola will threaten his position once he returns from his sabbatical.
"I've lived with speculation from day one so I don't feel any shadow behind me or above me," Di Matteo said.

"I've been in football all my life and I clearly know that managers are judged by results and it's no different for me than anyone else.
"Speculation is there every day. I've lived with it pretty well, I'll continue to do my job, trying to do as well as I can and everyone else can say and write what they want."

Di Matteo has already added to last season's squad, with the capture of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, and many sport news pundits believe his side can handle the pressure of expectation and enjoy a more consistent season next term.

"With Chelsea you are always looking to be competing and be in the frame to win something at the end of the season so I think that will be the key," Di Matteo added.

"We have a good team, we have an experienced team with some fresh players in it and I'm very confident for next season. The priority is to challenge."

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