The former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, who was sacked after taking them to within a missed penalty kick of Champions League glory, believes Roberto Di Matteo should be spared the same fate whatever happens in this year's final in Munich.
Di Matteo, like Grant, took over in mid-season after Russian owner Roman Abramovich wielded his axe, and the former Chelsea midfielder has galvanised the squad, taking them to the FA Cup final and now the Champions League final.
Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the Nou Camp, which sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory in the Champions League semi-final, typified the spirit the London club has displayed since Di Matteo came onboard in March.
Grant, whose Chelsea side lost on penalties to Manchester United in the 2008 final in Moscow, believes Di Matteo deserves at least another year but has a word of caution for the Italian.
He says the Russian owner has sacked many managers including himself despite achieving fantastic results, but believes this time the team is on the way up and Di Matteo has a chance to continue.
Of the 15 matches since Di Matteo took over, Chelsea have lost only one, away to Manchester City.
