Di Matteo: Playing career helps managers

Chelsea assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo believes a successful playing career can help in management.

Di Matteo’s comments come despite boss Andre Villas-Boas boasting no playing experience.

The Portuguese, to whom Di Matteo is now assistant, worked his way up the coaching ranks and eventually managed FC Porto to cup, league and European success last season.

However, when asked if having played at the highest level aids a successful management career, the Chelsea number two said: “It helps because you understand the emotions, the stress that the players have because you went through that yourself.”

“It does help being able to deal with certain situations with the pressure, because you naturally find yourself in an environment you’ve been in before.”

Di Matteo also commented on his club’s chances of winning silverware this season, be it through cup competitions or the Premier League.

“At the moment we are in three competitions and (the FA Cup is) one of them. As difficult as it looks in the Premier League, we are still in it,” he said.

Speaking before Chelsea’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Sunday, the former Chelsea forward said his team could launch a ‘new cycle of success’.

“Let’s not forget that these guys have been successful in the past few years so maybe it could reignite a new cycle, definitely winning trophies brings you that belief and confidence that you can win other things,” he said.

“We are Chelsea football club and we are expected to win and we’re here to win.”