Di Matteo opposes reports about back stabbing Villas Boas

London: Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has strongly opposed reports that he stabbed his predecessor Andre Villas-Boas in the back at the club before succeeding him.

Di Matteo has overseen a dramatic turnaround in Chelsea’s form since assuming control after Villas-Boas was removed by owner Roman Abramovich three weeks ago. “I did not conspire against him and all the decisions we took, we took together. I have always behaved with the utmost professionalism and loyalty towards the club, the staff, the team and fans,” Di Matteo said. Skipper John Terry has returned from injury, the virtually exiled Frank Lampard has been reinstated to the first team and Fernando Torres has rediscovered his goal-scoring form since Villas-Boas exit, a leading daily reports. Chelsea has won all four of the games they have played since AVB’s departure, moving into the FA Cup semi-finals, the Champions League quarter-finals and back into the hunt for a Premier League top four finish. ANI