Chelsea Andre Villas-Boas Fired

Andre Villas-Boas’ troubled eight-month reign at Chelsea was ended Sunday by Roman Abramovich, whose gamble on the inexperienced Portuguese backfired to leave the owner searching for his eighth permanent manager in nine years.

“Andre Villas-Boas has parted company with Chelsea,” the club said in a statement. “The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early.

“Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season.”

First-team coach Roberto Di Matteo, a former Chelsea player and West Brom manager, will take charge of the Blues until the end of the season.