Di Matteo keen to avoid worst-case scenario

Saturday Bayern vs Chelsea 20:45 SS3 LONDON – Roberto Di Matteo is bracing for the toughest managerial challenge of his career as he attempts to lead an injury and suspension-hit Chelsea to Champions League glory over Bayern Munich.

Thursday, May 17, 2012
Luiz (left) and Cahill are determined to play in Saturday's Munich showdown. Net photo.

SaturdayBayern vs Chelsea 20:45 SS3LONDON – Roberto Di Matteo is bracing for the toughest managerial challenge of his career as he attempts to lead an injury and suspension-hit Chelsea to Champions League glory over Bayern Munich.Just 10 weeks after taking over at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, Di Matteo has already overseen a string of notable performances including an unforgettable semifinal win over Barcelona.But the Italian believes that orchestrating a win over Bayern on their home ground on Saturday would represent his greatest triumph as he attempts to pull together a Chelsea side decimated by injuries and suspensions.Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry and fullback Branislav Ivanovic as well as inspirational midfielder Ramires and Raul Meireles.Di Matteo is also sweating on the fitness of defenders Gary Cahill and David Luiz along with midfielder Florent Malouda.Given the circumstances, Di Matteo agreed he faced the most challenging tactical assignment of his career. "With all the problems that we have it’s certainly causing me a headache,” the 41-year-old said.Despite overseeing a rebound in Chelsea’s fortunes, which included an FA Cup victory as well as their passage to the Champions League final, Di Matteo has yet to be given any assurances about his long-term future at Chelsea.Chelsea say no decision on a long-term successor to Villas-Boas will be taken until the season has ended, and Di Matteo insists he is happy to wait. "I’m very relaxed about it,” Di Matteo said.