Aston Villa sack manager Di Matteo

LONDON: Aston Villa’s disappointing start to life outside the Premier League cost manager Roberto Di Matteo his job after the club announced they had parted company on Monday.

Di Matteo, who won the Champions League while in charge of Chelsea 2012, lasted only 124 days.

“Aston Villa Football Club has today parted company with manager Roberto Di Matteo,” the club said in a statement.

“The club decided to act following a run of disappointing results which has the left the team occupying 19th position in the Championship.”

Di Matteo took over in June after the club were relegated from the English Premier League last season but has managed to win only one of 11 Championship matches, leaving the club two points above the relegation zone.

They also lost in the first round of the League Cup to fourth tier Luton Town.

The seven-time English champions are playing in England’s second tier for the first time since they were promoted to the first division in 1988.

Assistant coach Steve Clarke will take charge as caretaker manager during the search for a new boss, the club added.

Di Matteo’s final game in charge was Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Preston North End.

“I have faith in the team and believe in the team,” Italian Di Matteo said after that latest setback.